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| Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences and Education |
Objectives
Students will be able to
- list the different types of intelligence humans maypossess.
- discuss the implications of this theory in the classroom.
Howard Gardner viewed intelligence as ‘the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or more cultural setting’ (Gardner & Hatch, 1989).
Howard Gardner initially formulated a list of seven intelligences. His listing was provisional. The first two have been typically valued in schools; the next three are usually associated with the arts; and the final two are what Howard Gardner called ‘personal intelligences’ (Gardner 1999: 41-43).
Linguistic intelligence involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. This intelligence includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically; and language as a means to remember information. Writers, poets, lawyers and speakers are among those that Howard Gardner sees as having high linguistic intelligence.
Logical-mathematical intelligence consists of the capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues scientifically. In Howard Gardner’s words, it entails the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically. This intelligence is most often associated with scientific and mathematical thinking.
Musical intelligence involves skill in the performance, composition, and appreciation of musical patterns. It encompasses the capacity to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms. According to Howard Gardner musical intelligence runs in an almost structural parallel to linguistic intelligence.
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence entails the potential of using one’s whole body or parts of the body to solve problems. It is the ability to use mental abilities to coordinate bodily movements. Howard Gardner sees mental and physical activity as related.
Spatial intelligence involves the potential to recognize and use the patterns of wide space and more confined areas.
Interpersonal intelligence is concerned with the capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people. It allows people to work effectively with others. Educators, salespeople, religious and political leaders and counsellors all need a well-developed interpersonal intelligence.
Intrapersonal intelligence entails the capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one’s feelings, fears and motivations. In Howard Gardner’s view it involves having an effective working model of ourselves, and to be able to use such information to regulate our lives.
Naturalistic intelligence
This video will give you ideas on how to implement theMultiple Intelligences Theory of Learning in the classroom.
Watch
Dr. Gardner talking about his learning theory.
Reading material: Read the following article on how linguistic intelligence is fostered in Montessori schools.
Linguistic Intelligence
Homework
Review your understanding of the five learning theories we have discussed. Tomorrow you will be instructed on the reflective essay you will write regarding this topic.
Sources
Carman, A. Video: Multiple Intelligences in the classroom.mov. Retrieved from:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGX458fHRF4
Image of Dr. Garner retrieved from:
http://infed.org/mobi/howard-gardner-multiple-intelligences-and-education/
Material for this posting retrieved entirely from:
http://infed.org/mobi/howard-gardner-multiple-intelligences-and-education/
Newsletter from International Montessori. Montessori Motion. Annie Hoekstra-de Roos (ed). Nov 2011, 19/2.
Purefoy, D. Video. Howard Gardner of Multiple Intelligence Theory. Retrieved from:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2QtSbP4FRg
