Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Gardner defines intelligence as "the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or more cultural setting" (Gardner & Hatch, 1989). In this theory of Multiple Intelligence, Gardner expanded the conventional understanding of the capabilities of a person to learn: verbal and computational. He gave a totally new outlook to it by including areas such as music, interpersonal knowledge in addition to mathematical and linguistic ability.

Gardner’s multiple intelligences help us understand that there are varieties of learning mediums or intelligences. Therefore, a methodology cannot cater to just one intelligence or medium of learning. The curriculum developed for Project Shiksha addresses most of these intelligences.

The various intelligences as identified by Gardner are:

Linguistic Intelligence

It involves the ability to effectively use a language to express oneself.

It is considered the ability to effectively read, write and communicate in a variety of ways. Great poets, lyricists and literary exponents possess such intelligence at its peak.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence It involves the ability to detect patterns, ability to reason, calculate and think logically.

It is mostly associated with scientific and mathematical thinking. Great mathematicians and scientists manifest such intelligence through their work of inventions.

Spatial Intelligence

It involves the ability to create and manipulate images in order to solve problems.

It can be used in the fields of arts or in the sciences.

It is not limited to the visual domain; even blind children possess this intelligence.

Scientists, mathematicians and philosophers - they all possess this intelligence.

Musical Intelligence It involves the ability to create music and understand and appreciate it.

Musicians and Composers reveal their musical intelligence through their brilliant musical masterpieces.

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence It is the ability to solve problems using one’s own body parts.

It challenges the popular belief that mental and physical activities are unrelated.

Athletes, surgeons, dancers and choreographers - they all exhibit this intelligence.

Interpersonal Intelligence It is the ability to understand others and their emotions.

Teachers, parents, politicians, psychologists and salespeople rely on this intelligence.

Intrapersonal Intelligence It is the ability to understand one’s own feeling and build one’s own models, which help one function effectively throughout life.

Naturalist Intelligence It is the ability to observe, classify and use features of the environment.

Farmers, gardeners and botanists - they all exhibit this intelligence.

Implementation of Gardner’s Theory in the Curriculum

Intelligence Activities Logical-Mathematical Intelligence Problem solving, analysis, quiz, puzzles Linguistic Intelligence Explanations, reading material, and

additional information Spatial Intelligence Projects, scenarios and project

presentations Interpersonal Intelligence Collaborative projects, pair-and-share

and group discussions

Intrapersonal Intelligence Assessments, quizzes, practices and exercises

Acknowledgment Gardner, H. (1993). Multiple Intelligences: The theory in practice. New York: Basic Books.