How a person receives and processes information contributes to learning in a different formats and to learning in general.  Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences identifies different intelligences or sets of skills through which individuals gather information and solve problems.  The different intelligences include linguistic, logical/mathematical, spatial, musical, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist.  Tapping into the unique intelligences of the students can help to improve the learning process.  By gearing instruction to align with the strengths of the students, learning can be made more efficient and effective.  The following lists of ideas provide some suggestions for ways to tap into the various intelligences of the students. 

Linguistic.  A person with this strength uses language (verbal or written) to understand. Activities that appeal to the verbal-linguistic intelligence emphasize the use of language.

1. Communicate through of variety of different channels/media – discussions (face-to-face) and discussion boards (online), email, online chats, etc.
   
2. Provide students with learning resources that offer additional written explanations of the content.
   
3. Use journal writing to help students capture ideas and thoughts.
   
4. Use storytelling to weave together essential concepts and ideas.
   

Logical/mathematical.  A person with this strength uses logic or numbers to understand information.  Activities that appeal to the logical-mathematical intelligence encourage analysis of information in a logical manner.

1. Use Venn diagrams, charts, and tables to present information. 
   
2. Present information in a logical sequence. Use diagrams to illustrate the logical ordering of steps in a process.
   
3. Use numbers and statistics (when possible) to supplement/support the concept being taught.
   
4. Use Socratic questioning to develop a dialogue with students.
   

Spatial.  A person with this strength has a well-developed sense of space.  Activities that appeal to the visual-spatial intelligence utilize graphics and other visual stimuli to present information.

1. Use flow charts, mind maps, and so on to present and organize information.
   
2. Develop games that connect information to interesting shapes, colors, or figures.
   
3. Encourage students to use visualization to mentally picture concepts, ideas, or information.
   
4. Use graphics or symbols to represent concepts. 
   

Musical.  A person with this strength thinks in terms of music, rhythms, and patterns.  Activities that appeal to the musical intelligence rely on the use of sound and rhythm.

1. Add music or spoken text to an instructional activity.
   
2. Play background music that provides a mood conducive to the subject matter.
   
3. Use introductory music to set the theme of learning.
   
4. Use mnemonics (particularly those with memorable rhythms or patterns).
   

Kinesthetic.  A person with this strength uses body action to solve a problem, understand, or learn.  Activities that appeal to the bodily-kinesthetic intelligence include activities that enable physical interaction with learning materials.

1. Develop a game that requires/challenges hand-eye coordination.
   
2. Use online simulations that allow the student to interact with the content in an exploratory fashion.
   
3. Use lab activities (face-to-face or virtual) where the learner’s actions receive real-time feedback.
   
4. Utilize manipulatives and other tactile materials as part of an instructional activity (e.g., build physical models, draw sketches, etc.)
   

Intrapersonal.  A person with this strength is very introspective. Activities that appeal to the intrapersonal intelligence emphasize the internal aspect of learning.

1. Use discussion or reflection questions that encourage contemplative thought.
   
2. Provide feedback that serves to build self-esteem and that reassures learners of their understanding.
   
3. Provide supplemental materials that promote further introspection on the concepts and on personal learning.
   
4. Allow students some degree of choice when it comes to how they will demonstrate their learning (e.g., write a paper, give a presentation, etc.)
   

Interpersonal.  A person with this strength learns through interactions with others.  Activities that appeal to the interpersonal intelligence allow for opportunities for interaction and relationship-building with others.

1. Provide opportunities for sharing information through various media (e.g., face-to-face discussion, online chats, web conferencing, discussion boards).
   
2. Utilize collaborative groups in activities and projects.
   
3. Develop role-play activities to illustrate and/or apply concepts and techniques.
   
4. Use strategies like “Think-Pair-Share” to help students process information, clarify thinking, and present ideas.
   

Naturalist.  A person with this strength is closely connected to nature.  Activities that appeal to the naturalist intelligence provide opportunities to organize and/or categorize information.

1. Develop an activity where the student has to categorize or classify information by similar characteristics.
   
2. Create an activity that requires the student to observe something and record and analyze those observations.
   
3. Encourage students to look for examples of concepts as they appear in nature or in their environments.
   
4. Build examples or relevant scenarios around natural phenomenon.