Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner's work around multiple intelligences has had a profound impact on thinking and practice in education - especially in the United States. Here we explore the theory of multiple intelligences; why it has found a ready audience amongst educationalists; and some of the issues around its conceptualization and realization.
His work has been marked by a desire not to just describe the world but to help to create the conditions to change it. The scale of Howard Gardner's contribution can be gauged from following comments in his introduction to the tenth anniversary edition of his classic work Frames of Mind. The theory of multiple intelligences:
In the heyday of the psychometric and behaviorist eras, it was generally believed that intelligence was a single entity that was inherited; and that human beings - initially a blank slate - could be trained to learn anything, provided that it was presented in an appropriate way. Nowadays an increasing number of researchers believe precisely the opposite; that there exists a multitude of intelligences, quite independent of each other; that each intelligence has its own strengths and constraints; that the mind is far from unencumbered at birth; and that it is unexpectedly difficult to teach things that go against early 'naive' theories of that challenge the natural lines of force within an intelligence and its matching domains. (Gardner 1993: xxiii)
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 counselors 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.
Naturalist intelligence enables human beings to recognize, categorize and draw upon certain features of the environment. It 'combines a description of the core ability with a characterization of the role that many cultures value' (ibid.: 48).
Existential intelligence, a concern with 'ultimate issues', is, thus, the next possibility that Howard Gardner considers - and he argues that it 'scores reasonably well on the criteria' (ibid.: 64). However, empirical evidence is sparse - and although a ninth intelligence might be attractive, Howard Gardner is not disposed to add it to the list. 'I find the phenomenon perplexing enough and the distance from the other intelligences vast enough to dictate prudence - at least for now' (ibid.: 66).
Smith, Mark K. (2002, 2008) 'Howard Gardner and multiple intelligences', the encyclopedia of informal education, http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm.
There are nine multiple intelligences. What is your dominant intelligence?
Discuss it with us.
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11 comments:
"All About Me"
I am intrigued with Howard Gardner and his theories of multiple intelligences. There are several of his intelligence that fit into my learning and life style, but the one that is most dominant is the Interpersonal Intelligence. I see myself as an individual that enjoys interrelating with people of all ethnic groups and backgrounds. I am passionate when it comes to the welfare of others. I am thrilled when I help others find solutions that would help them to rectify their problems. I am an empathic and passionate person willing to help anyone in anyway I can. I find myself becoming emotional and connected to anyone that may be going through a traumatic event in their lives. I am an observant person and may not address the issue of the things that I observed. I am known to be curious and fascinated about different situations and how they affect human behavior. My true passion and desire in life is to work with at risk adolescents that have fallen by the wayside. I feel a true benefit in life when I make a difference in someone else’s life.
Even though I enjoy interacting with people, I can be satisfied and content spending time alone. It takes a lot to provoke or anger me, but once I am angered I can erupt, but not enough to injury others or myself. The one thing that I despise more than anything is for someone to insult my intelligence.
I thank God and appreciate the abilities he has blessed me with and hope to use them for his good not mine.
I look forward to your feedback.
Brenda Anderson
The dominant intelligence for me is logical-mathematical intelligence. I prefer to analyze problems logically and employ a systematic approach to problem solving. This type of intelligence has served me well throughout my adult, professional life. I have been a chemist, an analyst and a science teacher. Each job has required me to think the way that Gardner predicts I would in his work.
I also see that I have used this approach to thinking outside of the academic and professional world. I take the logical approach to problems or issues in almost every aspect of my life. That being said, this approach doesn't always serve me well when dealing with people because people are often unpredictable in a logical sense.
I appreciate the thought used by Gardner in determining the multiple intelligences. I am probably the prototype for a person with logical-mathematical intelligence as their dominant intelligence type.
David Perry
Well hello Mr. Perry,
I was impressed to read how Mr. Garners’ Multiple Intelligence has impacted your life. I agree that people are unpredictable; maybe Mr. Garner will come up with an intelligence that would assist us when it comes to predicting people. (smile)
I look forward to your feedback.
Brenda Anderson
For purposes of this blog, and in the assumption of application of the theory of multiple intelligences, I specify two things. First, with the uniqueness of each person and demands of each challenge, one can hardly approach all of life from the same perspective or "intelligence". Secondly, we might find that others in our lives may be better able to contribute to the answer to today's blog question with insight and objectivity about ourselves.
To answer this week's question, along with introspection, I find myself drawing on what I have been told by those who know me best.
I thrive on opportunities to use written language to express a thought or even an artistic poetic theme. At certain times of inspiration or introspection, I have expressed myself through poetry which might suggest a connection to the linguistic intelligence.I have greater sensitivity to written language than to spoken language. I find satisfaction in expressing myself through written language.
I have always had a strong interest in the way people relate to one another and all that it entails. It was this passion that motivated me to, initially, get my bachelors degree in psychology and then, later, a master's degree in social work. It is what is motivating me to pursue education as a career goal. In application of the multiple intelligence theory in my life, the interpersonal intelligence is the dominant "intelligence".
There is another component not directly aligned with any mentioned in the mini lecture and that is visual creative arts. I have a fascination and enthusiasm for painting and drawing as a past time, hobby and talent. Although lifestyle hasn't always allowed a great deal of time for expression, the desire has been a constant in my life.
We are multi-faceted individuals and it is very difficult to fit us into the box that Howard Gardner has proposed with his theory of multiple intelligences.
Each day is new. Sarah
Brenda,
It would seem that you and I have some things in common but I suspect that there is a common thread that runs among many of us in this program. I can see that an element of compassion and a concern for interpersonal relationships would have relevance to this chosen profession. Each day is New.
Sarah
My dominant intelligence is Interpersonal. I love interacting with people some may say that I have "never met a stranger." I enjoy getting to know people and understanding how their mind works. I am very perceptive to the feelings of others and am very intuitive of how others are feeling
In recent years I have discovered more of my intrapersonal intelligence. I have learned to to associated my fears and feelings with some of the choices I have made.
The above is mine.
susan
Sarah,
I felt the same way as I was writing my blog. I agree, I would be interested to see what people close to me would choose as my dominant intelligence. I answered this questions based on what I know about myself but mostly on what I have been told my others. From the few conversations that I have had with you, I would agree you ssem to have a gift is relating to others.
Susan Hutchens
My dominate intelligence according to Howard Gardner's theories is interpersonal. Coming in a close second, is the lingustic intelligence. I have always felt a very close connection to people and have dedicated myself to using this in my life as a strength. There have been several times when my ability to sense or feel things too deeply has NOT been to my advantage. Several people have often commented that I "read their mail". This has been both a blessing and a burden(expecially when the mail was a bill). I realize that according to Gardner that intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to look at ones's self and use this to regulate one's life. Staying at home with my six beautiful children tested this definition the fullest. I devoted myself to each one of them and I do not regret the dedication and sacrifice. The lingustical intelligence played a part in this as well. I have always kept a journal,as do several of my children. This valuable tool to write and relay our feelings and learn from it as well as pass it on to others are very connected. This week on my daughter's 2oth birthday, I wrote her an email (she is in New Orleans),and described my feelings and the amazing part of my life that was brought on by her birth. I still favor a written note over a phone call. I have often wished for a more "profitable or talented" intellegence, but I am confident that the one I possess is providential.
Ann Hitchon
I am thrilled to see David's bold declaration of his intellience. I am always jealous, and sometimes furious, at logical thinkers. I feel so much of my grief could have been spared if I could only do more logical thinking. I also agree with Sarah, so much of our intelligence is connected to our uniqueness and this cannot be boxed. In my decision to return to a new or revised career(at a much later date that expected), I hope to expand to use the "multiple" side of my intelligence.
Ann Hitchon
Susan,
I sometimes envy those with a dominant interpersonal intelligence type. I have always been good with people. I just don't seem to understand them most of the time. Others have said on here that they envy the logical intelligence type. I guess the grass does seem greener no matter which side you are on.
David Perry
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