48 Classroom Activities for the development of Multiple Intelligences
Developing students’ multiple intelligences in the classroom can be a complicated task when planning courses. In the same way, meeting the needs of all students during daily lessons is an even more significant challenge. However, through the use of different activities, the development of students’ intelligences can be promoted, while meeting the objectives of the lesson.
On behalf of this, we can introduce the Theory of Multiple Intelligences as a compliment and help when planning our courses. The theory was developed by Harvard University psychologist Howard Gardner. It proposes the existence of eight types of intelligences in the human being and the capacity we all have for their development, which allows us to understand why we learn in different ways.
Next, we present the eight intelligences with their description and activities that can be integrated into the daily lessons of all subjects.
Verbal-linguistic intelligence
We can find this intelligence in students who can understand, use, and manipulate written or spoken words.
Classroom activities:
- Story reading
- Oral presentations
- Speech competitions (speeches in 3 minutes)
- Reflective diaries writing
- Perform podcasts on studied topics
- Debates
Logical-mathematical intelligence
It is distinguished in students who can use numbers correctly and understand abstract relationships.
Classroom activities:
- Computer programming activities
- Use of puzzles
- Solution of verbal problems
- Use of the scientific method
- Use of Socratic questions (maieutics)
- Finance planning activities
Visual-spatial intelligence
This intelligence is usually measured along with the verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences in the IQ Test. It is defined by the ability to form a mental model of a space world and to maneuver using this model.
Classroom activities:
- Use of concept maps
- Activities that involve the use of maps
- Pictionary game
- Activities using Minecraft
- Activities with modeling clay, paint, and collages
- Production and taking of photos, videos, and short films
Musical intelligence
We can find it in those students with the ability to perceive, distinguish, transform, express sounds, and musical forms.
Classroom activities:
- Listen to musical pieces
- Music appreciation activities
- Play instruments
- Create songs and rhythms
- Measure the musical time using the metronome
- Create melodies to learn concepts
Body-kinesthetic intelligence
It is defined as the ability to solve problems or develop products using the body or parts of it.
Classroom activities:
- Theater production
- Craft use
- Learning by discovery
- Use of Legos
- Body movement activities (dance, pantomime, role play, acting)
- Activities related to physical education (play, jumping, sport, physical exercises)
Intrapersonal intelligence
It is defined by the ability to self-discipline and self-understanding. Together with interpersonal intelligence, it is called emotional intelligence.
Classroom activities:
- Use of 1 minute reflection periods
- Activities that integrate the independent study
- Provide classroom spaces for individual study
- Activities related to the theme of self-esteem
- Self-taught readings
- Application of learning centers
Interpersonal intelligence
It can be found in students who can understand other people: what motivates them, how they work, and how to work with them cooperatively.
Classroom activities:
- Use of board games
- Roleplay activities
- Peer tutoring
- Creation of academic clubs
- Community support activities
- Use of scenario simulations
Naturalist intelligence
It is the ability to appreciate, categorize, classify, explain, and connect everyday life with nature.
Classroom activities:
- Have pets or plants in the classroom
- Make orchards or gardens
- Cleaning activities in community areas
- Walks in natural environments
- Show videos, films or documentaries related to nature
- Use of binoculars, microscope, and telescope
To know how to identify the intelligences in your students and apply Multiple Intelligences into the Classroom, we recommend you to access: Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom: Theory into practice.
If you want to know your students’ intelligences CLICK HERE to obtain your free copy of our Multiple Intelligences Test for your students.
References
Armstrong, T. (2009). Multiple intelligences in the classroom. Alexandria: ASCD.
Bartolomei-Torres, P. (2018). Inteligencias múltiples en el aula, un recurso para el aprendizaje significativo en la Enseñanza de una Lengua Extranjera (Ph.D). Universidad de Granada. Recuperado de http://hdl.handle.net/10481/52430
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind. New York: Basic Books.
Gardner, H. (1993). Multiple intelligences. New York: Basic Books.
McClellan, J., & Conti, G. (2008).Identifying the Multiple Intelligences of Your Students. Journal Of Adult Education, 37(1), 13-32.
