Howard Gardner - Theory of Multiple Intelligences

This week we discussed the work of Howard Gardner. We spent time exploring his controversial “Theory of Multiple Intelligences” using specific examples from a survey (see below). It was enjoyable to have students make personal connections with each prompt (1-19) while connecting the survey questions to corresponding “intelligences” named by Gardner.

In addition, we discussed how the brain is dynamic. Our different intelligences obviously interact. (For example, math and music have a large overlap.) In other words, sometimes one survey question spoke to multiple intelligences that the students were able to debate. That made it interesting. We also added "existential intelligence" survey questions since they were missing from this survey. 

It’s important to note why it is called a theory. Many educators and psychologists argue the eight intelligences listed can still be whittled down to talents with either words or numbers. They criticize Gardner’s definition of intelligence as being too broad and simply high-lighting personality traits, talents, and abilities. I asked the students, “What do you think? Do you believe in the theory or not? Why?”

Multiple Intelligences Defined:  

Multiple intelligences are a way to understand the brains, talents, learning styles, and daily preferences present in the diversity of the human race.  We all notice that people perform differently, remember differently, and understand differently.  The theory can be backed by the biological components present in the composition of people's brains. Without the use of an actual MRI, it is informally assessed through surveys and observations.  People often fit into more than one category.

1. The Verbal-Linguistic Learner - This learner explores the world through reading, writing, and speaking.  They usually use language effectively to express their thoughts and retain information.

2. The Logical-Mathematical Learner - This person understands the world through patterns, logic, math, and numbers.  They are systematic people that prize organization and prefer logic in their activities.

3. The Intrapersonal Learner - This learner appreciates reflection, meaning, purpose, and theories about self and other.  They are not easily bribed by external rewards.  They value intrinsic worth, values, and pursuits rooted in meaning.

4. The Visual-Spatial Learner - This person appreciates shapes, images, designs, and patterns.  They can easily visualize and navigate complex mental images.  They may enjoy learning through watching rather than reading.

5. The Musical/Rhythmic Learner - This person easily recognizes tones, beats, and pitches necessary for music.  They appreciate patterns in sounds and are generally sensitive to sounds in their environment.  They may overlap with the language and mathematical learner.

6. The Bodily/Kinesthetic Learner - This learner likes to learn by doing.  They are always on the move and driven by an engine.  They may not appreciate a verbal or visual demonstration.  If they are bored, they may be fidgeting a lot. They may do best by acting things out.

7. The Interpersonal Learner - This person likes to interact with others in order to learn.  They are social and enjoy gatherings of all kinds.  They are usually sensitive to others’ social needs as well, making them experts at reading others and compromising.

8. The Naturalist Learner - They enjoy and seek the natural world.  They are concerned with what is happening to the earth and seek to preserve places where animals can live with protected rights.  They recognize a variety of elements in nature.

9. The Existential Learner - This person keeps the meaning of life at the front of their mind.  They do not like small talk and prefer meaningful exchanges.  They like to read philosophy.

Go Deeper:

Feel free to look through the survey with a parent/caregiver/friend. What intelligence(s) does each survey question correspond with and why? What would be your answer to the survey question?

This week's optional journal questions:

- What are the different ways people can be smart?

- Consider the career you want some day. How will these different intelligences impact your career?

- Consider your current hobbies. How do these different intelligences show up?
- Of the eight intelligences listed, do you heavily identify with three or more? In what ways?
- Of the eight intelligences listed, are there any that don't resonate with you? How do you feel about that?

- Thinking outside of your own experience, can you think of any mentors or friends falling into certain categories now that you've learned a little about the theory? For example, can you note a friend with "interpersonal intelligence" (this probably helps make them a great friend!) or a musical acquaintance humming all the time?

Online resources: 

Multiple Intelligences: http://www.literacynet.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html

Book We Discussed by Gardner:

Creating Minds: An Anatomy of Creativity Seen Through the Lives of Freud, Einstein, Picasso, Stravinsky, Eliot, Graham, and Ghandi