Multiple Intelligence Theory & Assessment

Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences provides evidence that individuals process information in eight different ways (see in Figure 1).

Educators can use this information to create varied assessments in their classes that allow students to utilize their strengths and process information in the way they best understand it.

One way to do this is to provide assessment options.  For instance, a teacher could ask students to demonstrate their learning at the end of a history of Jazz music unit by drawing a cartoon strip, writing a newsletter, composing a song, acting out a short scene, creating a visual model, crafting a timeline, or compiling a slide presentation.

Another way to help students is by providing useful feedback on assessments to help those who may not excel at a certain intelligence understand how they can make improvements. Rubric feedback, verbal feedback, and written commentary are all useful tools for this purpose.