Related work by psychologist Howard Gardner (1983) on multiple intelligences has been influential in language teaching circle. Teachers who recognize the multiple intelligences of their students acknowledge that students bring with them specific and unique strengths, which are often not taken into account in classroom situation. Gardner has theorized that individuals have at least seven distinct intelligences that can be developed over a lifetime. The seven are:
1 Logical/mathematical – the ability to use numbers effectively, to see abstract patterns, and to reason well
2 Visual/spatial - the ability to orient oneself in the environment, to create mental images, a sensitivity to shape, size, color
3 Body/kinesthetic - the ability to use one’s body to express oneself and to solve problems