Howard Gardner - Theory of Multiple Intelligences

"Everyone is Unique". We believe that each individual is unique and has their strengths and weaknesses. This statement makes me reflect on Howard Gardner's Multiple intelligences theory.

Who is Howard Gardner?

Howard Gardner is a developmental psychologist best-known for the theory of "Multiple Intelligences". Howard Gardner was born in Pennsylvania on July 11, 1943, and completed his Ph.D. at Harvard in 1971. He was inspired by Jean Piaget to study developmental psychology when he was studied at Harvard. He explained, "My mind was opened when I went to Harvard College and had the opportunity to study under individuals" (Cherry, Kendra, 2020). Gardner believed that a person might be strong in a specific area. 

What is the Multiple Intelligences Theory?

Gardner developed the multiple intelligences theory in 1983. He said that most schools and cultures focus their attention on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence only, however, we also should place equal attention on individuals who also shows other intelligence, like artist, painter, naturalist, dancers, architect, entrepreneur, and athlete who live around us give big impact to our life. 

Gardner identified nine types of multiple intelligences and the possibility to expand the list.

1. Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence; Ability to think in words and use these words to make people understand. People with this intelligence use language to express and appreciate complex meaning. They also have well-developed verbal skills and sensitivity to words.
2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence; Ability to calculate, quantify, think conceptually and abstractly and carry out mathematical operations. People with this intelligence are excellent at mathematics and working with numbers.
3. Musical Intelligence; Ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, timbre, and tone. This intelligence enables us to recognize, create, reproduce and reflect on music. People with music intelligence are generally more sensitive to sound and able to play musical instruments.
4. Visual-Spatial Intelligence; Ability to think in images and pictures and able to visualize accurately and abstractly. People with this intelligence are generally creative and usually have interesting imaginations, high artistic abilities, and excellent spatial reasoning.
5. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence; Ability to control body movements and the capacity to manipulate objects by physical skills. People with this intelligence have an excellent sense of timing and great body coordination as well as gross motor skills.
6. Interpersonal Intelligence; Ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, ability to respond appropriately to others.
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence; Ability to understand oneself, one's thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values, and thinking process. Intrapersonal intelligence is not only an appreciation of self but also of the human condition.
8. Naturalist Intelligence; Ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals, and other subjects in nature. Naturalistic intelligence describes people who are very sensitive to the natural world and sensitive to make changes in nature and the environment.
9. Existential Intelligence; Ability to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why people die, and why we are alive.

Gardner's multiple intelligence theory doesn't limit human intelligence to a single numerical number created by an algorithm. “If we are to encompass adequately the realm of human cognition, it is necessary to include a far wider and more universal set of competencies than we have ordinarily considered” (Phillips, H,2010).

How to Apply Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom?

Gardner claimed that no matter what subject you teach, like; arts, science, maths, or history, you should deliver the learning in a variety of ways. As a teacher, we can use Gardner's multiple intelligences in the classroom by using our observations in the class and relating them to the educational theory, not the scientific fact. 

This theory reminds us that students have different strengths and the potential for academic achievements in different ways. We believe that one child might be excellent in one intelligence and struggling with the other. 

Do they have to master all the nine multiple intelligences? The answer is no. But we, as a teacher, will be able to value the students more and will be able to discover one child's intelligence and find ways to work with their intelligence to learn better in class. 

Additionally, multiple intelligences theory also will help teachers to identify child's strengths and weaknesses within different types of intellgencies.  This theory will help teachers to see the child's potential instead of their weaknesses only.

We can provide differentiated learning instructions and approaches to work with students' strengths and weaknesses when we employ multiple intelligences theory in the classroom. This will enable teachers to view from a variety of perspectives towards slow learners or learners with difficulties or disabilities.

Some Do's and Don'ts tips 

Do:

• give students multiple ways to access information
• incorporate arts and creativity into your lesson
• apply differentiation in the class

Don't:

• label students with particular intelligence
• confuse multiple intelligence with learning style

Furthermore, there are some difficulties in putting the multiple intelligences theory into practice. Some teachers said that this theory can only be tested in a limited group of students since it is required more time and focus. 

Other implementation obstacles could include a lack of subject education and some teaching resources that are incompatible with the multiple intelligences theory.

Aside from that, some people continue to doubt the accuracy of the theory as well as the techniques and tools that are used to evaluate intelligence in scientific ways.

So, What kind of intelligence are you?

While some of the intelligence is more recognized and valued than the others, the reality is no one type of intelligence is better than another. 

It is more important to know your own intelligence you have to maximize your value. It is also beneficial for us, as teachers and facilitators in the class to understand our students' intelligence so that we can provide a more effective approach in the teaching and learning practices in the classroom.

References

Cherry, Kendra. (2020). Howard Gardner Biography and Theory. Retrieved from: Howard Gardner Biography and Theories (verywellmind.com)  

Gardner, H. (2013). Frequently asked questions—Multiple intelligences and related educational topics. Retrieved from howardgardner01.files.wordpress.com

Phillips, H. (2010). Multiple Intelligences: Theory and Application. Perspectives In Learning, 11 (1). Retrieved from csuepress.columbusstate.edu

Vital, Mark. Accessed online from adioma.com: 9 Types Of Intelligence - Infographic