The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner and Multiple Intelligences Howard Gardner is a professor at Harvard University. He has spent decades researching how people learn and what makes a person “intelligent”.

In 1983, he created the theory of “Multiple Intelligences.” Gardner created a theory that says a person can be intelligent in more than one way. Gardner realized that some students are smart but didn’t do well on tests. Instead of looking at what students couldn’t do, he started to look at what students could do. In 1983, he created the theory of “Multiple Intelligences.” If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live it’s whole life believing it is stupid! If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live it’s whole life believing it is stupid!

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences There are 8 types of intelligences: 1. Linguistic (A): the ability to use language or words to express yourself. 2. Logical-Mathematical (B): the ability to detect patterns and think logically; usually good at math and/or science. 3. Spatial (C): the ability to create mental images to solve problems or express yourself. 4. Musical (D): the ability to understand and create music.

Multiple Intelligences (cont.) 5. Bodily-Kinesthetic (E): the ability to use your body in a skilled way, such as dancers, athletes, actors, etc. 6. Interpersonal (F): the ability to perceive and understand others (teachers, therapists, ministers) 7. Intrapersonal (G): the ability to understand yourself and your own emotions 8. Naturalistic (H): the ability to sense nature and the world around them (zoo keepers, animal trainers, conservationists)

What does this mean and why is it important? Traditional intelligence has always been defined as being good at math or English. Student success at school is measured by the ability to do well in those areas. For example, STAR tests and high school exit exams. Students with skills and abilities in other areas are often overlooked. Teachers are beginning to understand that if students don’t all learn the same way, then they can’t all be tested in the same way.

What “intelligence strength” do you think these people have? Cal Ripken, Jr.: played in 2,632 straight games over 17 seasons and played a total of 20 years in major league baseball Maya Angelou: her books have been nominated for major literary awards. Wolfgang Mozart: died at age 35 after writing over 600 musical compositions. Sigmund Freud: a psychiatrist who developed the theory of psychoanalysis

5. Frank Lloyd Wright: an architect who built and designed over 500 buildings. 6. Anne Sullivan: taught the blind and deaf Helen Keller how to communicate using sign language in Keller’s hand. 7. Robert Oppenheimer: director of the Manhattan Project, the group that created the first atomic bomb. 8. Steve Irwin: and nicknamed “The Crocodile Hunter”, was an Australian wildlife expert, television personality, and conservationist.

MORE RESOURCES ~ A brief introduction to Howard Gardner http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4fLNlug7B0&feature=related (3 minutes) Gardner himself talking about how/why he developed the multiple intelligences http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEFpaY3GI-I (2 minutes) Garner speaking about schools today and how students learn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2QtSbP4FRg&feature=related (8 minutes)