Multiple intelligence is the idea that intelligence can be measured in a number of ways, rather than only through the traditional intelligent quotient (IQ) standard.
The idea that people are intelligent in different ways really began gathering interest and recognition during the 1980s. Until then intelligence was seen as something fixed and inherited; measured by our IQ. But a professor called Howard Gardner at Harvard University changed this view with his highly influential work on multiple intelligences (see his book Frames of mind: the theory of multiple intelligences (1993)).
Professor Gardner argued that there are eight different types of intelligence. Every one possesses all eight of the intelligences to a greater or lesser extent and the most powerful learner will use all eight. Each intelligence has its own value and it is helpful to each learner if they can be helped to recognise where they are strongest (to make the most of this) and where they are weakest (to work on these areas).
The concept of multiple intelligences fits in well with today's learning culture where schools are encouraged to be inclusive and to make learning accessible to all and more personalised.
See the box opposite to learn more about different types of intelligence.