Isaac Newton International Academy

Isaac Newton International Academy

What are Multiple Intelligences?

The theory of "Multiple Intelligences" was formulated by Harvard University Professor Dr Howard Gardner through his book "The Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences" (1983).

Here is a recent letter from Dr Howard Gardner for the Isaac Newton International Academy (03/04/2010):

From: Howard Gardner


I want to wish you the best of luck in launching the Isaac Newton International Academy. As you know, many schools both in the United States and around the world have used “multiple intelligences” ideas in curriculum and assessment. I trust that you will make use of this knowledge, contained, for example, in the 2009 publication “Multiple Intelligences around the World.” Should the occasion arise, I can provide contact information for colleagues who might be able to help in this process.


With best wishes,


Howard Gardner
Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education

A child usually possesses a "Main Intelligence" (MI) in any of eight (8) distinct sets of capabilities. These capabilities or "intelligences" work in concert, not in isolation. Two or three of these intelligences are strongest in each of us.


Teachers at the Isaac Newton International Academy, in accordance with the theory of "Multiple Intelligences," will strive to discover and teach to these intelligences (or how your child learns best), which may also be called "differentiation" (for example by the IB, or International Baccalaureate). Differentiation is at the heart of inquiry-based learning, and may include, for example, student choices for activities, projects and learning centers.


Follow the guide below to help answer the following: What two or three intelligences (of the eight listed) are dominant in your child? How does your child learn best? 

I. Linguistic Learner (“Word Smart”)
Does your child like to...?
  • Read
  • Write
  • Tell stories
  • Give speeches
  • Tell jokes
  • Spin tall tales
Does your child excel at...?
  • Memorizing trivia
  • Writing
  • Using extensive vocabulary
  • Spelling
  • Playing word games
Your child learns best by:
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Hearing, seeing language
  • Discussions and debates
  • Incorporating humor
II. Logical/Mathematical Thinker (“Number Smart”)

Does your child like to...?

  • Do experiments
  • Figure things out
  • Work with numbers
  • Ask questions
  • Analyze and make predictions
Does your child excel at...?
  • Mathematics
  • Reasoning
  • Logic
  • Problem solving
  • Using technology  
Your child learns best by:
  • Categorizing
  • Classifying
  • Working with abstractions
  • Patterns/Relationships
  • Using the computer
  • Making time to complete tasks
III. Spatial Learner (“Picture Smart”)
Does your child like to...?
  • Draw
  • Build, design and create
  • Daydream
  • View pictures/movies
  • See/Use colors
Does your child excel at...?
  • Using imagination
  • Sensing environment
  • Mazes/Puzzles
  • Reading maps and charts
  • Visual Arts
Your child learns best by:
  • Visualizing
  • Dreaming
  • Stimulating environment
  • Working with colors
  • Working from pictures
  • Audio-visual materials
IV. Bodily/Kinesthetic Learner (“Body Smart”)
Does your child like to...?
  • Move around
  • Work with hands
  • Use body language
  • Exercise
  • Gesture frequently
Does your child excel at...?
  • Physical activities
  • Sports/Dance
  • Crafts
  • Drama/Acting
  • Mechanics
Your child learns best by:
  • Doing
  • Moving
  • Role playing
  • Hands-on experiences
  • Action-packed stories/drama
V. Interpersonal Learner (“People Smart”)
Does your child like to...?
  • Solve problems
  • Talk to people
  • Join groups and clubs
  • Be a leader
  • Have lots of friends
Does your child excel at...?
  • Understanding people
  • Leading others 
  • Socializing
  • Persuading others
  • Mediating conflicts
Your child learns best by:
  • Working in a group
  • Cooperating with others
  • Sharing ideas
  • Communicating
  • Debating
VI. Intrapersonal Learner (“Self Smart”)
Does your child like to...?
  • Work independently
  • Pursue own interests
  • Have strong opinions
  • Work on independent games
  • Have many choices
 Does your child excel at...?
  • Self-Understanding
  • Focusing inward on feelings
  • Dreams
  • Pursuing interests and goals
  • Being original
Your child learns best by:
  • Individualized projects
  • Self-paced instruction
  • Having private space/time
  • Working independently
  • Reflecting, thinking and visualizing
VII. Naturalist Learner (“Nature Smart”)
Does your child like to...?
  • Garden
  • Hike, camp, walk, climb
  • Care for pets, wildlife
  • Recycle, reduce or reuse
  • Spend time outdoors
Does your child excel at...?
  • Collecting
  • Categorizing
  • Recognizing plants, animals
  • Understanding endemic species
  • Understanding environment
Your child learns best by:
  • Classifying information
  • Observing
  • Doing experiments
  • Using telescopes, binoculars and magnifying glasses
  • Exploring the environment
VIII. Musical Learner (“Music Smart”)
Does your child like to...?
  • Sing and hum tunes
  • Listen to music
  • Play an instrument
  • Collect CDs
  • Watch musicals, concerts
Does your child excel at...?
  • Picking up sounds
  • Remembering melodies
  • Noticing pitches/rhythms
  • Keeping time
  • Singing songs
Your child learns best by:
  • Rhythms, rhymes, repetition
  • Information put to a beat
  • Playing music while working
  • Performing in skits, musicals
  • Intuition strategies




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