Multiple Intelligence
Learn Multiple Intelligences and how you can succeed.
Dr. Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences
What is Multiple Intelligences Theory?
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences proposes that people are not born with all of the intelligence they will ever have.
This theory challenged the traditional notion that there is one single type of intelligence, sometimes known as “g” for general intelligence, that only focuses on cognitive abilities.
To broaden this notion of intelligence, Gardner introduced eight different types of intelligences consisting of: Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist.
Gardner notes that the linguistic and logical-mathematical modalities are most typed valued in school and society.
Gardner also suggests that there may other “candidate” intelligences—such as spiritual intelligence, existential intelligence, and moral intelligence—but does not believe these meet his original inclusion criteria. (Gardner, 2011).
The theory of multiple intelligences was first proposed by Howard Gardner in his 1983 book “Frames of Mind”, where he broadens the definition of intelligence and outlines several distinct types of intellectual competencies.
Gardner developed a series of eight inclusion criteria while evaluating each "candidate” intelligence that was based on a variety of scientific disciplines.
He writes that we may all have these intelligences, but our profile of these intelligence may differ individually based on genetics or experience.
Gardner defines intelligence as a “biopsychological potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture” (Gardner, 2000, p.28).
Dr. Howard Gardner, a renowned Scientist, Psychologist & Educationist is the Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education & Senior Director of Harvard Project Zero. Among numerous honors, Gardner received a MacArthur Prize Fellowship in 1981. He has received honorary degrees from twenty-two colleges and universities. In 2005 he was selected by Foreign Policy and Prospect magazines as one of 100 most influential public intellectuals in the world. The author of over twenty books translated into twenty-seven languages & several hundred articles. Gardner is best known in educational circles for his "Theory of Multiple Intelligence" proposed in 1983, which has been widely accepted by science all over the world. And today there are many schools across the world, which are running on the education pattern of "Theory of Multiple Intelligence". He has also written extensively on Creativity, Leadership & Professional Ethics. His latest book Five Minds for the Future was published in April 2007. Here are the details of 8 multiple intelligence's proposed by him
Verbal / Linguistics Intelligence
This has to do with words spoken or written.
People with verbal-linguistic intelligence display a facility with words and languages.
They are typically good at reading, writing, telling stories and memorizing words and dates.
They tend to learn best by reading, taking notes, and listening to lectures via discussions and debates.
They are also frequently skilled at explaining, teaching and oration or persuasive speaking.
Those with verbal linguistic intelligence learn foreign languages very easily as they have high verbal memory and recall and on ability to understand and manipulate syntax structure.
Logical / Mathematical Intelligence
This has to do with logical, abstract, inductive and deductive reasoning and numbers.
While it is often assumed that those with this intelligence naturally excel in mathematic.
Computer programming and other logical or numerical activities, a more accurate definition places emphasis less on traditional, mathematical ability and more reasoning capabilities, abstract pattern recognition, scientific thinking and investigation and the ability to perform complex calculations.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
This intelligence has to do with introspective and self-reflective capacities.
Those who are strongest in this intelligence are typically introverts and prefer to work alone.
They are usually highly self-aware and capable of understanding their own emotions, goals and motivations.
They often have an affinity for thought based pursuits such as philosophy.
They learn best when allowed to concentrate on the subject themselves.
There is often a high level of perfectionism associated with this intelligence.
Interpersonal Intelligence
This intelligence has to do with the interaction with others.
People in this category are usually extroverts and are characterized by their sensitivity to other's moods, feelings, temperaments and motivations and their ability to co-operate in order to work as a part of a group.
They communicate effectively and empathize easily with others and may be either leaders or followers, they typically learn best by working with others and often they enjoy discussions and debate.
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
This intelligence has to do with vision and spatial judgment. People with strong visual-spatial intelligence are typically very good at visualizing and mentally manipulating objects.
They have a strong visual memory and are often artistically inclined.
Those with strong spatial intelligence also generally have a good sense of direction and may also have very good hand-eye coordination, although this is normally seen as characteristics of the Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
This intelligence has to do with movement and doing.
In this category, people are generally adept at physical activities such as sports or dance and often prefer activities which utilize movements.
They may enjoy acting or performing, and in general they are good at building and making things.
They often learn best by physically doing something rather than reading or hearing about it.
Those with strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence possess high muscle memory i.e. they remember things through their body rather than through their words (verbal memory) or images (visual memory).
It requires the skill and dexterity for fine motor movements such as those required for dancing, athletics, surgery, craft making etc.
Musical Intelligence
This intelligence has to do with rhythm, music and hearing.
Those who have high level of musical rhythmic intelligence display a greater sensitivity to sounds, rhythm, tones and music.
They normally have good pitch and may even have absolute pitch and are able to sing, play musical instruments and compose music.
Since there is strong aural component to teach intelligence, those who are strongest in it may learn best via lecture. In addition, they will often use songs or rhythms to learn and memorize information and may work best with music playing.
Naturalist/Observation Intelligence
This intelligence involves understanding the natural world of plants and animals, noticing their characteristics and categorizing them.
It generally involves a keen observation of environment and the surrounding and the ability to classify over things as well.
It may be exercised by exploring nature, making collections of objects, studying them, and grouping them, sensory skill-sound, smell, taste and touch, makes keen observations about natural changes, interconnections and patterns