Gardner’s work has influenced the way many teachers approach their classroom instruction. There are many ways to demonstrate understanding and it is important to incorporate these intelligences when planning to ensure inclusion for all students, and for students to receive the best possible learning experience. With an understanding of Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences teachers can promote new possibilities for learning, with greater emphasis on lifelong learning, which support the development of students’ skills in creativity and innovation. Multiple intelligences can allow students to safely explore and learn in many ways, and they can help students direct their own learning.

Howard Gardner first published his MI theory in 1983, suggesting that intelligence is not a single, static IQ number, but rather a dynamic collection of skills and talents that are manifested differently in different people (Gardner, 1983). The nine main types of intelligences are indicated in Figure 1. When teachers recognize that students bring varied talents into the classroom, they can help students find success by allowing them to use their natural intelligences. Teachers can find ways to build tasks into each lesson that allow students to interact with the content in ways that fit their learning styles and strengths.