Promoting Inclusivity in Physical Education and Health With the Theory of Multiple Intelligences

By integrating Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences (MI theory) into health and wellness education, we can honor student uniqueness, promote inclusivity in the learning space, and increase the adoption of positive health behaviors. The MI theory proposes that every individual possesses unique strengths and weaknesses for learning that are characterized within eight intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic. Wellness educators can center these intelligences and structure materials in a way that offers opportunities to engage more of the intelligences through student-centered practices. Doing so employs individual student strengths and fosters development in areas of weaknesses. Utilizing this theory in the planning of health and physical education content has an opportunity to increase understanding and enjoyment of lessons by establishing inclusive spaces for all students to engage in learning.