Background Information on Multiple Intelligences

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In his groundbreaking 1983 book, Frames of Mind, Harvard professor of education Howard Gardner theorized that people can be smart in a number of ways. He suggests that environments, cultures, and genetic makeups determine how all of our intelligences work together, and which ones become more developed. Gardner eventually came up with a list of eight recognized intelligences:

In 1994, author Thomas Armstrong incorporated Gardner's theory in his book, Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom (ASCD, 1994). The checklists we've used in this online questionnaire are from his book.

The information about Multiple Intelligences that appears on each "intelligence page" is adapted from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Developments' (ASCD) Professional Development Online.

1. Every person possesses all eight intelligences. These intelligences all function together in different ways that are unique to each person. Most of us fall somewhere in between two poles -- highly developed in some areas, modestly in others, and underdeveloped in the rest.

2. Most people can develop each intelligence to an adequate level of competency.

3. Intelligences usually work together in complex ways. They are always interacting with each other. For instance, to play kickball, a child must be able to run and kick (bodily/kinesthetic), orient himself to the playing field and anticipate where the ball will land (spatial), and be able to argue a call (interpersonal and linguistic).

4. There are many ways to be intelligent within each category. For example a person may not be able to read, but may still be able to tell a great story. (Both rely on linguistic intelligence.)

Source: Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong (ASCD, 1994)

These checklists will give you an indication of where your children's talents lie, and the accompanying results pages will show you the kinds things you can do to encourage those talents. But these checklists provide only a sampling of the more characteristic signs of Gardner's intelligences.

The intention of this offering is not to label children, but to give you an idea of where your children's untapped talents and areas of weakness may lie. As a parent, you are the best judge of your children's likes, dislikes, and intelligences.

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