What is intelligence? Is it the ability to understand and use language? Is it demonstrated by skill in mathematics and logic? Intelligence is not a single entity. Multiple Intelligences Theory challenges the traditional definition of intelligence and how it is measured.
The theory of Multiple Intelligences, proposed and defined by Howard Gardner in 1983, suggests that every individual possesses a number of distinct forms of intelligence, and to varying degrees. Gardner is a psychologist and professor of neuroscience at Harvard. His theory was influenced by his early work with gifted and autistic children and with brain injured adults.
The theory defines intelligence in broader ways than intelligence is traditionally measured and defined. It recognizes the impact of culture on intelligences, acknowledging that some cultures value some forms of intelligence more strongly than others. Intelligences change with an individual’s maturity, experience, and education, so they can be learned. Teaching and assessment can be attuned to learners’ strengths. Instructional techniques can focus on learning preferences. Gardner argues that individuals learn best when specific intelligences are activated.
Gardner defined eight primary forms of intelligence: linguistic, musical, logical-mathematical, spatial, body-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal and naturalistic.
Linguistic intelligence is demonstrated through speaking, writing, reading and listening. Teachers can foster linguistic intelligence by tasking students to journal or write short stories, and then post the writings to a blog or wiki. Students can use electronic dictionaries and encyclopedias, or story creation software. Teachers can use applications like iBooks to create their own books, including pictures, video, and other interactive features, and then share these books with their students.
Musical learners learn best through sounds, rhythms and patterns. Lessons can include writing a song or composing music and presenting it to the class. Students can explore music sharing sites and music generation software. Interactive books with audio elements can foster learning for musical learners. Assignment might include exploring music connected to history or geography lessons.
Logical-mathematical learners are good with numbers, reasoning, and problem solving. These learners can collect, organize and measure data, and conduct experiments and research projects.
Spatial learners learn visually and organize thinking spatially. Lessons incorporating photographs, charts, graphs, diagrams and tables are suited to these learners. Students could create slideshows, three-dimensional projects, or explore and design maps.
Body-Kinesthetic learners learn best through physical activity. Hands on tasks work well with these learners. They learn by moving around and being actively involved. Educators can use dance, plays, skits, and role-playing. Classroom activities, like moving around the room to various stations, or going on field trips, even virtual ones, help these learners learn.
Intrapersonal learners are aware of their own feelings and motivation. They can focus their concentration and set and meet goals, and they are good at working independently.
Interpersonal learners learn best interacting with others. Discussions, collaborative work, and social activities help these learners. They are aware of and sensitive to the feelings and motivation of others. These learners are good at peer group activities. The Flat Stanley Project is one that would benefit these learners.
Naturalistic learners learn through interacting with the environment. Outdoor activities, interactions with plants and animals, help these learners. They see patterns in nature and the world, and adapt to them. Activities for these learners might include field trips, recording the environment using digital cameras, and observing and journaling about these experiences.
Learn more about how educators are promoting Multiple Intelligence Theory in the classroom with multimedia.
Watch this video about the eNota Multiple Intelligences Academy in Gainesville, Georgia. The school’s curriculum is based on Multiple Intelligences Theory. Gardner himself talks about how his theory may be applied in the classroom.
Multiple Intelligence Theory is prompting educators to assess and teach students in ways customized to their intelligences and learning styles. Schools adapting their curriculum to this theory have created culturally and individually sensitive and student-centric learning environments.
References
Cherry, K. (n.d.) Howard Gardner Biography. About.com. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesal/p/howard-gardner.htm
Gilman, L. (2001) The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Human Intelligence. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from http://www.indiana.edu/~intell/mitheory.shtml
Educational Broadcasting Corporation (2004). Concept to Classroom: Tapping into Multiple Intelligences. Thirteen Ed Online. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index.html
Johnson, L., and Lamb, A. (2007). Technology and Multiple Intelligences. Eduscapes. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic68.htm
You've done a nice job in succinctly describing the theory and giving examples of how teachers can use the theory in the classroom. This is a theory that I've heard about, but have not done much in the way of researching and reading up on. Your post is very helpful in understanding the theory and presenting it in a way that makes sense. In watching the video, I wonder if students are given the opportunity to learn in each type of intelligence so that all of the intelligences are developed. Or, do students learn from the perspective of the intelligence(s) that best suit their already developed talents? I think it's helpful to be able to see things from all sides and I think this theory can help guide teachers' practice in helping students learn more effectively.
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