Gardner defines intelligence as "the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or more cultural setting" (Gardner & Hatch, 1989). In this theory of Multiple Intelligence, Gardner expanded the conventional understanding of the capabilities of a person to learn: verbal and computational. He gave a totally new outlook to it by including areas such as music, interpersonal knowledge in addition to mathematical and linguistic ability.

1. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence
Gardner defines intelligence as "the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products
that are valued in one or more cultural setting" (Gardner & Hatch, 1989). In this
theory of Multiple Intelligence, Gardner expanded the conventional understanding of
the capabilities of a person to learn: verbal and computational. He gave a totally new
outlook to it by including areas such as music, interpersonal knowledge in addition to
mathematical and linguistic ability.
Gardner’s multiple intelligences help us understand that there are varieties of
learning mediums or intelligences. Therefore, a methodology cannot cater to just one
intelligence or medium of learning. The curriculum developed for Project Shiksha
addresses most of these intelligences.
The various intelligences as identified by Gardner are:
Linguistic Intelligence
It involves the ability to effectively use a language to express oneself.
It is considered the ability to effectively read, write and communicate in a variety of
ways. Great poets, lyricists and literary exponents possess such intelligence at its
peak.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
It involves the ability to detect patterns, ability to reason, calculate and think logically.
It is mostly associated with scientific and mathematical thinking. Great
mathematicians and scientists manifest such intelligence through their work of
inventions.
Spatial Intelligence
It involves the ability to create and manipulate images in order to solve problems.
It can be used in the fields of arts or in the sciences.
It is not limited to the visual domain; even blind children possess this intelligence.
Scientists, mathematicians and philosophers - they all possess this intelligence.
Musical Intelligence
It involves the ability to create music and understand and appreciate it.
Musicians and Composers reveal their musical intelligence through their brilliant
musical masterpieces.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
It is the ability to solve problems using one’s own body parts.

2. It challenges the popular belief that mental and physical activities are unrelated.
Athletes, surgeons, dancers and choreographers - they all exhibit this intelligence.
Interpersonal Intelligence
It is the ability to understand others and their emotions.
Teachers, parents, politicians, psychologists and salespeople rely on this
intelligence.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
It is the ability to understand one’s own feeling and build one’s own models, which
help one function effectively throughout life.
Naturalist Intelligence
It is the ability to observe, classify and use features of the environment.
Farmers, gardeners and botanists - they all exhibit this intelligence.
Implementation of Gardner’s Theory in the Curriculum
Intelligence Activities
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence Problem solving, analysis, quiz, puzzles
Linguistic Intelligence Explanations, reading material, and
additional information
Spatial Intelligence Projects, scenarios and project
presentations
Interpersonal Intelligence Collaborative projects, pair-and-share
and group discussions
Intrapersonal Intelligence Assessments, quizzes, practices and
exercises
Acknowledgment
Gardner, H. (1993). Multiple Intelligences: The theory in practice. New York: Basic
Books.