Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner has undoubtedly changed the face of education with his theory on multiple intelligences.  Before Howard Gardner's theory it was common belief that intelligence was an inherited trait, essentially humans could learn anything they were taught.  Howard Gardner believed that intelligence is, 'the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or more cultural setting'.  Gardner originally believed that intelligence could be grouped into seven different categories, he has since considered two more categories:
  1. Linguistic intelligences:  The ability to munipulate the written and expressive language(s). Examples, writers, poets, lawyers, etc.
  2. Logical mathematical intelligence: The capacity to analyze problems in a logical way, and carryout mathmatical operations.  Examples, mathmaticians, accountants, scientest.
  3. Musical intelligence:  The ability to perform, and compose music.  Gardner believed linguistic and musical intelligences paralleled eachother.  Example, musicians, composers.
  4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:  The mental ability to coordinate whole body movements.  Examples, dancer, football player.
  5. Spatial intelligence:  the ability to recognize and use patterns:  Examples, artists, inventors
  6. Interpersonal intelligence:  The ability to understand others intentions and motivations effectively.  Example, presidential canidates, educators, religious leaders.
  7. Intrapersonal intelligence: The understanding of oneself feelings, fears, and motivations.                                                           
  8. Naturalist/environmental intelligence:  the ability to associate with nature, animals and the environment.  Example, farmers, park rangers, etc.
  9. Existential intelligence:  The ability to take on deep questions about life, such as the meaning of life, why we die, etc.  Examples: philosophers
Gardner believes that the seven intelligence do not usually work independently, rather people use different intelligences as they learn different skills, and that people usually exhibit a blend of intelligences.  Seven different intelligences means, that student think and learn in many different ways.  Educators should take these different intelligences into account when teaching.  A teacher might include different ways a student could present a book in a book report.  For example the student could choose to, write a traditional report, make mathmatical story problems to go along with the book, make a play about the book, or make a visual representation of the book. As I have worked with students with varying abilities, I realize that  all students have intelligence and capacity to learn.  I like this theory because it takes those differences into account.
Howard Gardner at Podium This picture is taken from the website www.howardgardner.com
 
 
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Any opinions expressed here, except as specifically noted, are those of the individual authors or commenters and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, or Utah State University.