The question is not 'how smart is this student' but 'how is this student smart?'.
Gardner's work around multiple intelligences has provided teachers with an educational model to answer this question. The model of multiple intelligences provides teachers, students and parents with the confirmation that different students have different strengths and they learn in different ways. Students' strengths and preferences affect not only the ease with which they learn but also how they can best represent what they know and understand.
'The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults.'
Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart")
Spatial intelligence ("picture smart")
Linguistic intelligence ("word smart")
Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence ("body smart")
Musical intelligence ("music smart")
Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart")
Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart")
Naturalist intelligence ("nature smart")
Dr. Thomas Armstrong (1998-2000) Multiple Intelligences article.
Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences and Education.
Mark Smith (2002) provides a comprehensive article on the life and work of Howard Gardner, including issues and key links to his work.
New Horizons for Learning
Provides key links to books and articles about Multiple Intelligences through the teaching and learning strategies section.
McGrath H & Noble T (1995) Seven ways at once Book 1: Classroom Strategies based on the seven intelligences.
A series of three books provide an excellent overview about multiple intelligences and practical strategies to use in the classroom.
Publisher: Longman
Eight Ways of Knowing - Exploring Multiple Intelligences
David Lazear has created a fantastic site with free reports from leading MI authors and theorists, a monthly newsletter and live workshops. The link to Multiple Intelligences backgrounds takes you through a free mini-course complete with lesson plan ideas.