Young people learn in many different ways. Understanding how young people learn is important to an educator. Most children use a number of intelligences, but often one intelligence is dominant. The theory of multiple intelligences (MI) suggests that dominant intelligence is the way a person learns best.

MI theory invites teachers/catechists to present their lessons in a wide variety of ways; art, music, videos, cooperative learning, small group activities, role playing, and experiences such as visits to churches, synagogues and mosques.

Our challenge in faith sharing is to see that each child has the opportunity to learn in his or her unique way. The caution is that an individual teaches from his or her dominant intelligence, therefore, often isn't inclusive of all the intelligences. Educators can help all students develop by using all the eight intelligences in their teaching.

Imagine a vibrant piano and the various melodies that can be played on it; then envision a person playing only middle C over and over. What a loss when all keys aren't engaged! So it is with our minds; we want to engage all intelligences so our children and youth can experience joyful, competent and engaging ways to learn.

Dr. Howard Gardner, an education professor at Harvard University, developed the multiple intelligences theory in 1983. He challenged the traditional IQ testing method. His theory suggests that seven (eventually eight) intelligences constitute our methods of learning. These intelligences are:

Verbal/Linguistic	word smart*
Logical/Mathematical	number/reasoning smart
Visual/Spatial	picture smart
Bodily-Kinesthetic	body smart
Musical	music smart
Interpersonal	people smart
Intrapersonal/Introspective	self smart
Naturalistic**	nature smart

Offering a variety of activities that respect different learning styles will engage all learners.

Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence - Word Smart
These persons are sensitive to the meaning and order of words in many forms. They effectively use words and language, written and spoken. They have an expansive vocabulary. Often they like to tell jokes, riddles, or puns, and enjoy reading, discussion, writing, telling stories and playing word games.

Logical/Mathematical Intelligence - Number/Reasoning Smart
These persons like chains of reasoning, recognize patterns, and appreciate order. They enjoy working with numbers, want to know how things work, ask lots of questions, and approach problems logically. Puzzles, timelines, and questions engage them. They typically are precise and methodical.

Visual/spatial Intelligence - Picture Smart
These learners visualize mental models, manipulate them spatially and think in images and pictures. They learn as they doodle, paint, draw, look at maps, do puzzles and mazes, and can take things apart and put them back together. Sensitivity to color, shape, size, space, and form, and the relationship between these elements occupy learners with visual/spatial intelligence.

Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence - Body Smart
These persons use their bodies skillfully express ideas and emotions. Thinking occurs through the body's involvement. Such learners play sports, love physical activity, tend to handle objects adroitly, use body language overtly; are often dancers, actors or engage in mime. They participate rather than observe.

Musical Intelligence - Music Smart
These learners have an ability to perceive variations in pitch, melody, rhythm, beat, and tonal patterns. They listen to and play music, sing, hum, move to rhythms, and can create and replicate tunes. Integrating music, chant, and rhythm instruments engages these learners.

Interpersonal Intelligence - People Smart
These persons understand people's thinking and feelings through relationships, They often understand the needs and feelings of others. They usually have many friends and tend to mediate between them. They are excellent team players/leaders.

Intrapersonal/Introspective Intelligence - Self Smart
These learners have an awareness of inner feelings and a certain intuitive ability. They tend to control their own feelings and moods, often by observing and listening. They do their best working alone and often keep logs and journals. Such learners respond well to reflection questions and meditation activities.

Naturalistic Intelligence - Nature Smart
These persons use sensory skills to recognize/classify numerous species and fauna of the environment. They like to spend time outdoors observing and collecting plants and animals. They are attuned to relationships with nature including animals. Nature walks, crafts using natural materials, and outdoor celebrations engage naturalistic learners.

Sources

Becoming a Multiple Intelligences School by Thomas R. Hoerr, Ph.D. (ASCD Press, 2000)
Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong (1994)
National Professional Resources, 25 South Regent St., Port Chester, NY 10573, 914-937-8879
Producer of several videos on MI including Howard Gardener How Are Kids Smart, Joe Gusman, MI and the Second Language Learner, and Thomas Armstrong, MI, Discovering the Giftedness in All.