21 Gardner published Frames of Mind, multiple intelligence theory has been used by
educators as a tool for understanding and effectively meeting the learning needs of their students Armstrong, 1994: xii. Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory has
been applied to foreign language teaching and learning by many scholars Berman, 1998: 2.
a. The Eight Intelligences
Howard Garner claims that all human being have multiple intelligences. These multiple intelligences can be nurtured and strengthened. He believes each
individual has eight intelligences 1999: 41-47. The eight intelligences are as follows.
1 Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence: the intelligence to use words in effective way, in oral form as in written. It includes ability to understanding order and meaning
words, convincing someone, explaining, teaching, learning, memory and recall, and meta-linguistic analysis.
2 Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: the intelligence to use numbers in an effective way, and to transform with dexterity. Logical-mathematical intelligence
is activated in situations requiring problem solving or meeting a new challenge as well as situations requiring pattern discernment and recognition. Capacities
involved abstract pattern recognition, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, discerning relationships and connections, performing complex calculations, and
scientific reasoning. 3 Visual-Spatial Intelligence: the intelligence relies on the sense of sight and
being able to visualize an object, includes the ability to create internal mental
22 images. The intelligence is triggered by presenting the mind with colorful design,
pattern, shapes, pictures, and engaging in active imagination through such things as visualization guided imagery. Capacities involved active imagination, forming
mental images, image manipulation, graphic representation, recognizing relationships of objects in space, and accurate perception from different angles.
4 Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: the intelligence to control one’s body movement and to handle object skillfully. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
possesses specific physical abilities as the coordination, the balance, the dexterity, the force, the flexibility, and the speed. Capacities involved control of movement,
expanding awareness through the body, the mind and body connection, and mimetic abilities.
5 Musical Intelligence: the intelligence to produce sounds based on the recognition of tonal patterns, including various environmental sounds, and on
sensitivity to rhythm and beats. Capacities involved appreciation for the music structure, scheme in the mind for hearing music, sensitivity to sounds,
recognition, creation and production of melody or rhythm, and sensing characteristic qualities of tone.
6 Interpersonal Intelligence: the intelligence operates primarily through person- to-person, relationships and communication. It is activated by person-to-person
encounters in which such things as effective communication, working together with others for common goal. Capacities involved effective verbalnon verbal
communication, working cooperatively in a group, ability to discern other’s underlying intentions and behavior, creating and maintaining synergy, and
sensitivity to other’s moods, temperaments, motivations, and feelings.
23 7 Intrapersonal Intelligence: the intelligence relates to self-awareness of with
inner feelings, values, belief and thinking processes. Capacities involved concentration of mind, mindfulness, awareness and expression of different
feelings. 8 Naturalist Intelligence: capacity to distinguish, to classify and to use the
numerous species of the flora and fauna in natural environments. It includes abilities to understand behaviors, necessities and characteristics of the animals and
plants; also, to experience and to question about the environment.
b. Applying Multiple Intelligence Theory in the Classroom
