Howard Gardner's Eight Types of Intelligence

Psychologist Howard Gardner identified seven different types of intelligence. The eighth term, Naturalist, has been added to the list to update it to the 21st century. Although most people are a combination of many distinct intelligence types, the TESOL instructor’s familiarizations of such is a great way to contribute to the preferred learning styles and cultural differences in the classroom. These various types of intelligence can assist teachers in finding a deep appreciation for the creativity of the world. Since most English speakers are products of the Western World, such tend to only place value on certain types of intelligence.
Since the time of ancient Greek philosophy, society predisposes the most worth to right-brained modes of thinking. For example, most standardized testing is catered to logical mentality.

Eight Types of Intelligence

Visual/Spatial
Learners

• Are extremely imaginative and creative
• Understand visual pictures and are experts at reading body language
• Work best through sketching, drawing and constructing visual diagrams

Verbal/Linguistic
Learners

• Are excellent speakers and listeners
• Understand the meanings behind the various tones and influxes of the human voice
• Work best through lectures, recordings and discussions.

Mathematical/Logical
Learners

• Have elevated abilities for problem solving
• Understand complex formulations
• Work best through classifications and scientific thinking

Bodily/Kinesthetic
Learners

• Are oriented to physical touch
• Understand sensory material from hands-on experience
• Work best through expression of movement

Interpersonal
Learners

• Are sociable “people persons”
• Understand the workings of group psychology and are often the leaders
• Work best through corroborating and organizing groups

Intrapersonal
Learners

• Are reflective and independent thinkers
• Understand their own strengths and weaknesses
• Work best through self-evaluations and