Howard Gardner developed the Multiple Intelligences Theory in the late1970s based on his research discoveries about the nature of human intelligence. Gardner defines "intelligence" as the ability to solve problems or fashion products that are of value in a particular cultural setting. Important to the education world is Gardner's belief that intelligence can be enhanced, and it can also be taught to others. Teachers have realized for years that all students do not learn in the same way. There are many ways by which we know, understand and learn, and our intelligences work together in an integrated way.

Gardner believes there are eight intelligences that people use to solve problems. In our culture the Verbal and Mathematical intelligences are most valued in school, and much time is devoted to these types of learners. These two intelligences are especially important as evidenced in the standardized testing that occurs throughout our school culture.

Verbal/Linguistic consists of the ability to think in words and to use language to express and appreciate complex meanings. These learners have highly-developed auditory and oratory skills. They learn best verbally through speaking, hearing or seeing words.

Mathematical/Logical makes it possible to calculate, quantify, consider hypotheses and carry out complex mathematical operations. These learners think conceptually and compute well mentally. They learn best by analyzing and reasoning.

The following three intelligences are tied strongly to the arts:

Visual/Spatial instills the ability to think in three-dimensional terms, to perceive external and internal imagery and to recreate, transform, or modify images. These learners orient well to their surroundings and tend to conceptualize experience in spatial terms. They learn best by drawing and making maps, charts and diagrams.

Musical/Rhythmic is evident in those individuals with a sensitivity to pitch, melody, tone and beat. These students learn best through song and tapping into an internal sense of rhythm.

Bodily/Kinesthetic enables one to manipulate objects and fine-tune physical skills. These learners process information through the senses. They learn best through moving and doing and tend to communicate through gesture and strong body language.

The following two intelligences are an important part of higher order thinking:

Interpersonal is the capacity to understand and interact effectively with others. These learners understand people, feelings and motivation. They learn best through direct contact and communication with others.

Intrapersonal refers to the ability to perceive an accurate model of oneself and use that knowledge in planning and directing one's life. These learners are self-motivated, initiate independent activities and work at their own pace. They learn best alone, away from people and group activities.

In the late 1990's Gardner added the eighth intelligence:

Naturalist refers to those gifted in the ability to categorize and systematize things. These learners have the ability to classify plants, animals and minerals. They are also good at collecting items and organizing them.

Everyone has all of these intelligences to some degree. Through experience we can strengthen the intelligences we do have. One of the best ways to strengthen our "weak" intelligences is by using our "strong" intelligences in the process. The arts can help teach those areas most tested, especially through the use of teaching strategies associated with the musical/rhythmic, visual/spatial and bodily/kinesthetic intelligences.