Multiple Intelligences

According to Gardner (1999) all individuals have a 'jagged intelligence profile', developed from innate potential, experience, practice and motivation. Gardner lists eight intelligence types:

• Linguistic
• Logical-Mathematical
• Visual-Spatial
• Musical
• Bodily-Kinesthetic
• Interpersonal
• Intrapersonal
• Naturalistic

You may wonder what the benefit of the theory of multiple intelligences is. Put simply, it incorporates a broad spectrum of human ability, provides eight different ways of learning, and makes room for everyone to display their own particular intelligences. Remember that all people possess all intelligences to some degree but may identify more strongly with one or two. Together with learning styles it is this combination of strengths and weaknesses that makes each learner unique. Try the following multiple intelligence test to discover your strengths, preferences and personal potential:

1. Birmingham City Council’s Education and Learning section has a free multiple intelligences test and results are presented in diagram form. 
2. Multiple Intelligences Test based on Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Model via a self-scoring Excel sheet.