A Mystic Journey

Multiple Intellignces

 We all have are multiple intelligences. Cognitive intelligence, measured by IQ, is not the only one. While this may initially seem confusing, research has discovered others.

Intelligences:

Cognitive, Bodily or Kinesthetic, Interpersonal or social, Intrapersonal, 

Linguistic or word based, Logical or mathematical, Musical, Spatial or visual, Naturalistic

These are the intelligences most agree on. We all have different strengths. IQ is not the only gauge. We can no longer judge people solely on how “smart” we think they are without including a more comprehensive assessment.

Brilliant people are considered to be geniuses. Not all of them have social skills or values that we admire. Not all of them function well in society. Yet they are smart. Is that enough to be considered successful or admirable? 

Understanding Multiple Intelligences Matters for Every Learner                     

For generations, intelligence has been measured in narrow ways: reading, writing, and math skills—usually tested with standardized exams. These tools can be useful, but they only tell part of the story. Many students who struggle in traditional classrooms are not unintelligent; they simply think, learn, and express understanding differently. This is where the idea of multiple intelligences becomes powerful and transformative.

The theory of multiple intelligences, introduced by Howard Gardner and refined by Ken Wilber and others, suggests that human intelligence is not a single ability but a collection of different capacities. These include, as listed above:

  • Body or kinesthetic – body or movement smart
  • Interpersonal – self aware smart
  • Intrapersonal or social – people smart
  • Linguistic – word smart
  • Logical or mathematical – number or logic smart
  • Musical – music smart
  • Spatial or visual – picture or design smart
  • Naturalistic – nature smart

Most people possess many of these intelligences to some degree. But each of us has a unique combination that shapes how we learn and interact with others.

For parents, understanding multiple intelligences can be a profound shift. A child who struggles with reading but excels in building, dancing, sports, or understanding nature is not “behind”; they are differently gifted. When adults recognize these strengths, children feel seen rather than judged. This helps protect self-esteem and reduces the harmful belief that intelligence equals test scores. A child who is strong in musical or bodily intelligence may thrive through rhythm, movement, or hands-on learning rather than worksheets and lectures.

For educators, multiple intelligences offer a framework for inclusive teaching. Classrooms are filled with diverse learners, yet many lessons still rely on a narrow range of instructional methods. Teaching only through lectures and textbooks rewards linguistic and logical learners while unintentionally excluding others. When lessons include visual materials, discussion, music, movement, and real-world application, more students gain access to the material. 

Any topic can be taught through different intelligences. A history lesson can involve storytelling (linguistic), timelines and cause-and-effect charts (logical), role-play (bodily-kinesthetic), maps and imagery (spatial), group debates (interpersonal), reflective journaling (intrapersonal), and environmental context (naturalistic). When students are allowed to show understanding through varied formats—presentations, art, projects, or performances—they learn in ways that align with their strengths.

For students, learning about multiple intelligences can be life-changing. Many young people internalize labels like “bad at school” or “not smart” based on limited feedback. Discovering that intelligence takes many forms reframes these beliefs. A student who excels socially may be developing leadership skills. A student who spends hours drawing may have strong spatial intelligence. A student who connects deeply with animals or ecosystems may be developing scientific insight through nature. These are not hobbies; they are valid forms of intelligence with real-world value. 

Understanding multiple intelligences also prepares students for a changing world. The future demands creativity, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and problem-solving across disciplines. (See my recent post “AI Will Affect How and What Kids Learn”). Jobs increasingly require collaboration, design thinking, and cross-cultural communication. These skills are rooted in interpersonal and spatial intelligences. Educators need to recognize diverse intelligences to better reflect how students actually succeed outside of school.

There is also a social justice dimension to this conversation. Traditional definitions of intelligence have historically favored certain cultural and economic groups. Students from different linguistic backgrounds or learning styles are often misjudged when their strengths do not match narrow academic norms. Multiple intelligences challenge these biases by broadening what counts as “smart.” 

Critics of multiple intelligences argue that they are difficult to measure scientifically. While debates continue, however, the educational value remains. Teachers who use multiple intelligences are increasing the chances of success for learning and understanding. The goal is not to label students permanently but to help them recognize their capacities and grow across all areas.

The most important lesson is this: intelligence is not a single ladder but a landscape. Every learner stands somewhere different within it. When parents nurture strengths, when educators diversify teaching methods, and when students learn to value their own abilities, education becomes less about sorting and more about developing human potential.

The world is facing complex problems, such as climate change, social division, and technological disruption. We need thinkers who can analyze, imagine, empathize, and innovate. These capacities arise from many kinds of intelligences working together. Teaching young people that their minds are multifaceted is a cultural shift toward dignity, equity, and possibility.

Understanding multiple intelligences does not mean lowering standards. It means expanding our vision of what learning looks like, and who gets to be called intelligent.

Below is a Multiple Intelligences Quiz for Students. This can provide a good start to helping kids learn some of their strengths.

Parents, Grandparents and Teachers might also enjoy taking this quiz to identify their own skills. 

🌟 Multiple Intelligences Self-Discovery Quiz

Instructions:

Read each statement. Rate how true it is for you:

  • 3 = Very true
  • 2 = Somewhat true
  • 1 = A little true
  • 0 = Not true

Write your number next to each statement.

📝 Linguistic (Word Smart)

  1. I like reading or being read to.
  2. I enjoy writing stories, poems, or essays.
  3. I like explaining things using words.

Total: _____

🔢 Logical–Mathematical (Number/Logic Smart)

  1. I enjoy solving puzzles or brain teasers.
  2. I like working with numbers or patterns.
  3. I ask “why” and “how” a lot.

Total: _____

🎨 Spatial (Picture Smart)

  1. I like drawing, designing, or imagining scenes.
  2. I understand things better when I see pictures or diagrams.
  3. I can picture things clearly in my mind.

Total: _____

🎵 Musical (Music Smart)

  1. I notice rhythms, beats, or melodies easily.
  2. I like singing, playing instruments, or listening to music.
  3. I remember things better when there is music involved.

Total: _____

🏃 Bodily–Kinesthetic (Body Smart)

  1. I like moving, acting things out, or building things.
  2. I learn best by doing, not just listening.
  3. I enjoy sports, dance, or hands-on projects.

Total: _____

🤝 Interpersonal (People Smart)

  1. I like working in groups.
  2. Friends often come to me for help or advice.
  3. I understand how others are feeling.

Total: _____

🧠 Intrapersonal (Self Smart)

  1. I like working alone sometimes.
  2. I think about my feelings and goals.
  3. I know what I’m good at and what I need to work on.

Total: _____

🌿 Naturalistic (Nature Smart)

  1. I like animals, plants, or being outside.
  2. I notice details in nature (clouds, leaves, weather).
  3. I care about the environment or living things.

Total: _____

✨ Scoring

  • Add up each group of three statements.
  • The highest scores show your strongest intelligences.
  • Medium scores show areas you use sometimes.
  • Low scores just mean those aren’t your main learning strengths (not weaknesses).

🧭 Reflection Questions (for students)

  1. Which intelligences were highest for you?
  2. Were you surprised by any of your results?
  3. How could you use your strongest intelligence to help you study better?
  4. How could teachers help you learn using your strengths?

Cheryl A Chatfield

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