Use Multiple Intelligences theory to help students find careers that suit them best.
Download

Using Multiple Intelligences Theory in Choosing a Career

In his book, Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, Thomas Armstrong suggests that we can help our students make smart career choices by helping them understand the many ways they are intelligent.

About the Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Harvard education professor Howard Gardner first described his theory of multiple intelligences in the ground breaking book, Frames of Mind, published in 1983. Today Gardner proposes that we all have at least eight different intelligences, and maybe more. He also suggests that environments, cultures, and genetic makeups will determine how all of our intelligences work together -- they seldom operate in isolation -- and also which of the intelligences is more fully developed.

Let Our Intelligences Be Our Guide
Armstrong points out that the theory of multiple intelligences emphasizes the broad range of ways in which adults pursue their work in life, so it can help youngsters begin to develop vocational aspirations. According to Armstrong, students benefit by having adults come into class to talk about their life's work, and by going to visit adults at their places of work. He cautions teachers and others against attempting to match children's intelligence strengths to specific careers too early in their development.

What’s more important, he says, is to help children see the spectrum of occupations related to each of the intelligence areas through these kinds of visits and field trips. Then, children can begin making their own decisions about what feels right and what doesn't fit.

Here is a short list of occupations categorized by primary intelligence:

  • Linguistic Intelligence: librarian, curator, speech pathologist, writer, radio or TV announcer, journalist, lawyer
  • Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: auditor, accountant, mathematician, scientist, statistician, computer analyst, technician
  • Spatial Intelligence: engineer, surveyor, architect, urban planner, graphic artist, interior decorator, photographer, pilot
  • Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: physical therapist, dancer, actor, mechanic, carpenter, forest ranger, jeweler
  • Musical Intelligence: musician, piano tuner, music therapist, choral director, conductor
  • Interpersonal Intelligence: administrator, manager, personnel worker, psychologist, nurse, public relations person, social director, teacher
  • Intrapersonal Intelligence: psychologist, therapist, counselor, theologian, program planner, entrepreneur
  • Naturalist Intelligence: botanist, astronomer, wildlife illustrator, meteorologist, chef, geologist, landscape architect

Of course, virtually every job consists of a variety of responsibilities touching on several intelligences. So when you talk about careers with your students, make sure you also point out that many different intelligences are required for each job -- and that it’s important to develop and nurture all of our intelligences.

Adapted from Armstrong, T. (1994), "Other Applications of MI Theory," in Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom is a guide to identifying, nurturing, and supporting the unique capabilities of every student. The book provides clear explanations and practical advice on how to use Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences to enhance teaching and learning.

Brought to you by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Featured High School Resources

lesson plans for animal farm - kit for a complete unit on the novel

LESSON PLANS

Animal Farm Teaching Unit Kit

Everything you need to teach a full or partial unit on Animal Farm Help your students dive into the modern relevance, m...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER
Poetry Packet for High School

ACTIVITIES

National Poetry Month Themed Packet for High School

To celebrate Poetry Month, this resource shares 3 activities that will help high school students to engage with poetry i...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER
Romeo and Juliet Teaching Unit Kit

LESSON PLANS

Romeo and Juliet Teaching Unit Kit

A complete teaching kit for a full or partial unit on Romeo and Juliet Take your students on a thought-provoking, insig...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

Related Resources

TEACHING RESOURCE

Portfolios: Types

Portfolios: Types A portfolio in the context of the classroom is a collection of student work that evidences mastery of ...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

TEACHING RESOURCE

Multiple Intelligences Questionnaire

Multiple Intelligences Questionnaire Multiple Intelligences is the theory, created by Howard Gardner, that every person ...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

TEACHING RESOURCE

Multiple Intelligences Chart

Multiple Intelligences ChartHow do you ensure all of your students' intelligences are being tapped? Here is a list of ac...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

TEACHING RESOURCE

Key Points in Multiple Intelligences Theory

Key Points in Multiple Intelligences TheoryBeyond the descriptions of the eight intelligences and their theoretical unde...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

TEACHING RESOURCE

Multiple Intelligences: An Overview

Multiple Intelligences: An OverviewThe Eight Intelligences Described Almost eighty years after the first intelligence te...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER
outline of human brain

TEACHING RESOURCE

Multiple Intelligences: A Three Part Series

Multiple Intelligences: A Three-Part SeriesHoward Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences (MI) explains the na...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

About the author

TeacherVision Staff

TeacherVision Editorial Staff

The TeacherVision editorial team is comprised of teachers, experts, and content professionals dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and relevant information in the teaching space.

loading gif