Multiple Intelligences


Definition

This theory of human intelligence, developed by psychologist Howard Gardner, suggests there are at least seven ways that people have of perceiving and understanding the world. Gardner labels each of these ways a distinct “intelligence”–in other words, a set of skills allowing individuals to find and resolve genuine problems they face.

Discussion

Gardner defines an “intelligence” as a group of abilities that:

Is somewhat autonomous from other human capacities

Has a core set of information-processing operations

Has a distinct history in the stages of development we each pass through

Has plausible roots in evolutionary history

While Gardner suggests his list of intelligences may not be exhaustive, he identifies the following seven:

  1. Verbal-Linguistic–The ability to use words and language
  2. Logical-Mathematical–The capacity for inductive and deductive thinking and reasoning, as well as the use of numbers and the recognition of abstract patterns
  3. Visual-Spatial–The ability to visualize objects and spatial dimensions, and create internal images and pictures
  4. Body-Kinesthetic–The wisdom of the body and the ability to control physical motion
  5. Musical-Rhythmic–The ability to recognize tonal patterns and sounds, as well as a sensitivity to rhythms and beats
  6. Interpersonal–The capacity for person-to-person communications and relationships
  7. Intrapersonal–The spiritual, inner states of being, self-reflection, and awareness

How Multiple Intelligences Impact Learning

Curriculum–Traditional schooling heavily favors the verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences. Gardner suggests a more balanced curriculum that incorporates the arts, self-awareness, communication, and physical education.

Instruction–Gardner advocates instructional methods that appeal to all the intelligences, including role playing, musical performance, cooperative learning, reflection, visualization, story telling, and so on.

Assessment–This theory calls for assessment methods that take into account the diversity of intelligences, as well as self-assessment tools that help students understand their intelligences.

Reading

Howard Gardner, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.


About the author -

On Purpose Associates


6 Responses to Multiple Intelligences

  1. stephanie says:

    I think very highly of Gardner’s work though in my school we have learned that there is now a list of eight
    ways that people learn and i am doing my theory on this topic, yet i can not find the eighth one anywhere on the internet. Please keep up the good work, your research makes it easier for us to teach the children to the best of their ability.

  2. cliffy says:

    the eighth intelligence for your info. is the naturalist intelligence, the wisdom to recognize the nature and all living things in the environment…

  3. Norma Terrigno says:

    Supposedly there is also a ninth intelligence—one of existentialism. For example, some persons have a unique curiosity as to the meaning of their lives. I agree that this is a special type of intelligence because in order to find the answer one must have the ability to seek answers within oneself through introspection as well as self knowledge. Surely this is a theme that teachers might encourage youngsters to pursue.

  4. Bette Blance says:

    The eighth one was that Naturalist intelligence.  Gardner spoke of it in Harrogate at the Thinking Conference in 2001 ( I think).  He also spoke about the Existentialist Intelligence saying that he was still deciding if it indeed was one.  Not sure where he has going with that one.

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