Chapter 1: The Foundations of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Abstract

The theory of Multiple Intelligence was proposed by Howard Gardner because there was previously only one other way of measuring intelligence, known as the IQ test. Howard Gardner believed that there was more than one form of intelligence, and created the multiple intelligence tests. The eight intelligences of this theory include: Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist. Someone who mainly uses linguistic intelligence uses words effectively, orally, and in writing. A logical-mathematical person has the capacity to use numbers effectively and to reason well. Someone who uses the spatial intelligence has the ability to perceive the visual-spatial world accurately, and someone who uses the kinesthetic intelligence has expertise in using one’s whole body to express ideas and feeling. A musical intelligent person has the capacity to perceive, discriminate, transform, and express musical forms. An interpersonal intelligence relates to the intentions, motivations, and feelings of other people. Intrapersonal intelligence requires self-knowledge and the ability to act adaptively on the basis of knowledge, and a naturalist intelligence shows expertise in distinguishing among members of a species. There is the possibility that there are more intelligences other than the eight listed, and this shows that the MI Theory is not perfect. Gardner followed eight guidelines to make sure the MI theory is measuring intelligences and not just aptitudes, skills, or talents. These include: potential isolation from brain damage, the existence of savants, prodigies, and other exceptional individuals, a distinct history of development and a set of “End-State" performances, an evolutionary history and evolutionary plausibility, support from psychometric findings, support from experimental psychological tasks, an identifiable core operation or set of operations, and susceptibility to encoding in a symbol system. Savants are people who have a particular intelligence at which they excel in, but below average ability in other intelligences. One important point in Gardner’s theory is that all people have, and can adequately develop, the eight intelligences. No intelligence acts by itself; it is a combination of other intelligences where only one might get all the credit. The difference between Gardner and other theories is that his is based upon a person’s actual intelligence not just their learning style.

Reflection

Chapter one provided an overview of the Multiple Intelligence Theory. Many of us were already familiar with the MI theory through other psychology and education classes. We noted that the intelligences had to meet specific criteria before they were considered in the theory, and the theory may not be complete yet. It was exciting to look at the connection between the brain and the eight intelligences because they all use different parts of the brain. Most of us in the class thought it was interesting how each type of intelligence could work together because everyone uses a variety of the intelligences. We will all have a classroom where students will be using the eight types of intelligences, and as teachers we will need to fulfill the needs of our students. We will also need to know how to teach to all of the multiple intelligences through numerous activities, projects, and lessons. Some of the class realized that we will have to branch out from our own dominate intelligence to reach all of the students’ intelligences. Teachers can encourage students to find out which ways they learn best and to develop those intelligences in school assignments and activities. The best part of this theory is that it acknowledges all different kinds of learners, not just those who are regarded as “book smart”.