Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner and other scientists have identified nine

intellegences, or ways of learning, that are common in all

people. Each person has his or her unique mix of these intellegences.

At Colby, we strive to engage our students through learning

strategies that incorporate as many of these intellegences

as possible.

Verbal/Linguistic: Thinks and learns well through written

and spoken word. Strategies include memorization of facts,

workbooks, written tests, and reading.

Logical/Mathematical: Thinks deductively, deals with

numbers, and recognizes abstract patterns. Strategies include

matrixes, graphing, and working with numbers.

Visual/Spatial: Thinks in images and pictures. Strategies

include using mapping, graphic designs, and diagrams to

communicate.

Body/Kinesthetic: Learns through physical movement and

body wisdom and has a sense of knowing through body memory.

Strategies include making letters and numbers in sand,

moving while memorizing facts, and using different scented

candles during the day.

Musical/Rhythmic: Recognizes tonal patterns and environmental

sounds and learns through rhyme, rhythum, and repetition.

Strategies include using songs, poems, and finger plays.

Interpersonal: Learns and operates on a one-to-one

level and through group relationships. Communication relies

on

all of the other intelligences. Strategies include "discuss

with a neighbor" and group projects.

Intrapersonal: Enjoys and learns through self-reflection,

metacognition, and working alone. Also includes an awareness

of inner spiritual realities. Strategies include journaling

and independant work.

Existential: Concerned with ultimate life issues such

as love, death, and philosophy and therefore learns in

context with meaning. Strategies include historical reflective

studies and discovery exercises.

Naturalist: Loves nature and the outdoors and enjoys

classifying species. Strategies include nature walks, in

situ observation, and graphing observations over time.