Theory of Multiple Intelligences!

 

The theory of multiple intelligences (MI) was first advanced by Dr, Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and adjunct professor of psychology at Harvard University,  in his 1983 book Frames of mind.

Challenging the traditional concept intelligence, the theory of multiple intelligences suggest that each individual has eight different types of intelligences. These intelligences combine to form any individual’s specific cognitive potential. 

 

 According to Dr.Gardner we all possess eight different types of intelligences.

 

1.     Verbal-linguistic intelligence, “word smart”.

2.     Logical-mathematical intelligence, “maths smart”.

3.     Visual-spatial intelligence, “picture smart”.

4.      Musical intelligence, “music smart”.

5.     Naturalistic intelligence, “nature smart”.

6.     Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, “body smart”

7.      Interpersonal intelligence, “people smart”.

8.     Intrapersonal intelligence, “self smart”.

 

These intelligences, although separate, work together, in an infinite number of combinations, in each of our learning experiences.

What effect does this have in learning and education?

many people will tell you that someone is intelligent when they are good at maths, or science, or when they are articulate or speak several languages.

Although educational practices and theory are in constant evolution, our culture and many school systems still have a tendency to value linguistic and logical-mathematical abilities over others. An important part of the learning is geared towards developing those areas, or presented in a way that resonates more to and relies in greater part on the abilities of a linguistic/ logical-mathematical mind.

As a result of this, children who have a more dominantly linguistic/ logical-mathematical mind tend to do better in most traditional school systems, having their abilities being reinforced and having learning experiences that resonate with how they specifically process information. At the same time, children who show other sets of strengths, often for example related to the arts, receive much less reinforcement of their skills and  a learning experience that does not always resonate with or allow them to use their abilities.   

  By applying the theory of multiple intelligences in the classroom, educators take into consideration the different types of learners they might have in their class, reinforce all types of intelligences in every student, and allow for an individual learning process that will ultimately enable each learner to utilise his or her specific abilities and demonstrate learning.

Presenting topics using the theory of  multiple intelligences, that is using different pathways and tools to study information, can have a very positive effect on our students’ learning experience. Incorporating for example, role play, collaborative work, picture puzzles or field trips allows for a learning experience that will not only allow different types of learners to learn but will enrich every individual’s understanding of the topic.