What is Multiple Intelligence?

By Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope

When I was younger, I remember how the classroom felt like a stage for the best memorizers and fastest test-takers. If you couldn’t recite the multiplication table quickly or remember the dates of historical events without blinking, you were somehow labeled as “slow” or “average.” I wasn’t necessarily slow—I just thought differently. Years later, when I encountered the theory of multiple intelligences by Dr. Howard Gardner, something clicked in me. It was as if someone had finally spoken the truth I always felt deep inside: intelligence is not one-size-fits-all.

In a world that’s constantly evolving, why should we measure intelligence using only a narrow yardstick? Why should only linguistic and logical skills be deemed as “smart,” when art, music, empathy, and body coordination are equally powerful tools for understanding life?

This essay aims to explore the theory of multiple intelligences in a humanized, relatable, and personal way—because understanding how we learn is not just for teachers and psychologists. It is for all of us: the parent worried about a child who struggles in math but shines in drawing, the student who feels unseen in a classroom that celebrates only one kind of intelligence, and even the adult rediscovering themselves after years of being boxed in.

What are multiple intelligences?

In 1983, Harvard psychologist Dr. Howard Gardner introduced a revolutionary idea in his book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. He challenged the traditional notion that intelligence could be measured through IQ tests alone. Instead, he proposed that there are at least eight different kinds of intelligences—and each person possesses a unique combination of them.

Let’s break this down in a simple way: Imagine intelligence as a rainbow. If the traditional IQ test sees only the color red, Gardner’s theory sees the whole spectrum—blue, green, yellow, violet, and everything in between.

The Eight Intelligences: Explained Through Everyday Life

1. Linguistic Intelligence

This is the intelligence most schools tend to prioritize. It’s the ability to use words effectively—whether written or spoken. Poets, writers, public speakers, and even lawyers are often strong in this area.

You probably know someone who can write essays effortlessly or tell stories that captivate a room. That’s linguistic intelligence at work.

2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

People with this intelligence are good at reasoning, problem-solving, and working with numbers. Engineers, scientists, accountants, and even puzzle-lovers often excel in this area.

But let me say this: being bad at algebra doesn’t mean you’re not intelligent. It just means your strength lies somewhere else.

3. Musical Intelligence

Some people don’t just hear music—they feel it, understand it, and create it from thin air. They recognize patterns in sounds, beats, and rhythms. Singers, composers, DJs, and even people who just can’t help tapping their fingers to a beat have this gift.

I remember a classmate who always failed written exams but could play piano by ear. Back then, teachers didn’t celebrate that ability. Today, we’d call that musical intelligence.

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

This refers to using the body to express ideas or solve problems. Think of athletes, dancers, surgeons, or even craftsmen. They “think” through movement and touch.

My nephew, who struggles to read long texts, can disassemble a motorbike engine and put it back together like magic. His intelligence doesn’t come through paper—it comes through his hands.

5. Spatial Intelligence

People with this intelligence think in pictures. Architects, graphic designers, painters, pilots, and even gamers often excel here. They see patterns where others see clutter.

I once met a student who had trouble reading paragraphs but could build complex LEGO structures by simply looking at the box. He wasn’t inattentive—he was visual.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence

This is the ability to understand and work well with others. Counselors, teachers, team leaders, and even your neighborhood barkada leader may have this kind of intelligence.

They read people’s emotions, build trust, and often know how to handle even the most difficult personalities with grace. They may not be the top student, but they’re the glue that holds the group together.

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence

This one’s about knowing yourself. People with this intelligence are deeply self-aware, reflective, and often pursue purpose-driven lives. Philosophers, monks, writers, and therapists often have strong intrapersonal intelligence.

They may not be loud or social, but they carry deep emotional and intellectual depth.

8. Naturalistic Intelligence

The newest addition to Gardner’s list, this intelligence relates to understanding nature and living things. Farmers, gardeners, veterinarians, geologists, and even kids who love climbing trees and collecting insects show signs of this.

Have you met a child who knows all plant names but can’t focus in class? That’s not disinterest—it might be naturalist intelligence blossoming.

Why It Matters

Understanding multiple intelligences reshapes how we view success, education, and even our relationships. Imagine a world where schools cater not only to reading and math but also to music, nature, and emotional growth. Imagine families encouraging their children to pursue what they’re naturally gifted at, instead of forcing them into boxes where they feel small.

This theory also provides comfort. It tells us, “You are smart. You just need to discover what kind of smart you are.”

It also redeems adults who thought they were dumb because they did poorly in school. Intelligence isn’t static. You can bloom later in life, especially when you discover the areas where your strength naturally lies.

Relevance in Filipino Society

In the Philippine context, this theory can be transformative. Too often, our society measures intelligence through degrees and diplomas. But what about the mechanic who can repair anything without formal education? What about the nanay who adeptly oversees five children and a sari-sari store with precision? The fisherman who can predict the weather better than the news?

Filipinos are gifted with so many forms of intelligence. Recognizing them can lead to more inclusive policies, better education systems, and a more empowered citizenry.

The Role of Teachers and Parents

Teachers and parents are crucial in unlocking a child's potential. When we shift from asking “Bakit bagsak ito sa math?” to “Saan siya magaling at paano natin mapapalago?”, we begin to raise generations of confident, capable individuals.

A teacher who uses music to teach math, or a parent who encourages a child to pursue art even if they’re struggling with science, is already applying the principle of multiple intelligences. It’s about expanding the classroom into a playground of different talents.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Intelligence

You don’t need to be a mathematician to be smart. You don’t need to speak English fluently to be wise. Intelligence wears many faces—and you likely carry more than one.

The real beauty of Gardner’s theory lies in its humanity. It tells us that we all have worth, that our minds work differently, and that’s not a flaw—it’s a design.

So the next time you feel insecure because someone seems “smarter” than you, pause and ask: “What’s my intelligence?” You may find it in your cooking, social skills, dancing, prayers, ideas, or silence.

Ultimately, intelligence isn't about impressing others; it's about self-awareness and utilizing your abilities to effect positive change.