Any educator will tell you that no two children think and learn the same way,
and all have experienced how it is sometimes necessary to present information
in a completely different light to reach some students. The theory of multiple
intelligences confirms these empirical experiences and can provide educators
with a framework and tools that will allow them to better meet the needs of the
different types of learners present in every classroom The theory of multiple
intelligences (MI) was first advanced by Dr, Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of
Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
Challenging the traditional concept intelligence, the theory of multiple
intelligences suggest that each individual has eight different types of
intelligences. These intelligences combine to form any individual’s specific
cognitive potential.
Verbal-linguistic intelligence, “word smart”, refers to an individual’s ability to
analyze information and produce work that involves oral and written
language.Logical-mathematical intelligence, “maths smart”, describes the ability
to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically, make calculations, and
solve abstract problems. Visual-spatial intelligence, “picture smart”, describes
the ability manipulate and create mental images in order to solve problems and
reason, to visualize concepts and space.
Musical intelligence, “music smart”, involves skill in the performance,
composition, and appreciation of musical patterns. It encompasses the capacity
to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms. Naturalistic
intelligence, “nature smart”, refers to the ability to identify and distinguish
among different types of plants, animals, and weather formations found in the
natural world. · Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, “body smart”, entails using one’s
own body to create products or solve problems. · Interpersonal intelligence,
“people smart”, reflects an ability to recognize and understand other people’s
moods, desires, motivations, and intentions. Intrapersonal intelligence, “self
smart”, refers to people’s ability to recognize and assess those same
characteristics within themselves. These intelligences, although separate, work
together, in an infinite number of combinations, in each of our learning
experiences. Gardner sustains that although we all possess these intelligences
they do not develop in the same way and at the same pace in every individual.
Some may “by nature” be stronger and more dominant than others at any given
time of our evolution, but all can be strengthened.
Although educational practices and theory are in constant evolution, our culture
and many school systems still have a tendency to value linguistic and logical-
mathematical abilities over others. An important part of the learning is geared
towards developing those areas, or presented in a way that resonates more to
and relies in greater part on the abilities of a linguistic/ logical-mathematical
mind.
As a result of this, children who have a more dominantly linguistic/ logical-
mathematical mind tend to do better in most traditional school systems, having
their abilities being reinforced and having learning experiences that resonate
with how they specifically process information. At the same time, children who
show other sets of strengths, often for example related to the arts, receive much
less reinforcement of their skills and a learning experience that does not always
resonate with or allow them to use their abilities.
By applying the theory of multiple intelligences in the classroom, educators take
into consideration the different types of learners they might have in their class,
reinforce all types of intelligences in every student, and allow for an individual
learning process that will ultimately enable each learner to utilise his or her
specific abilities and demonstrate learning. Presenting topics using the theory of
multiple intelligences, that is using different pathways and tools to study
information, can have a very positive effect on our students’ learning experience.
Incorporating for example, role play, collaborative work, picture puzzles or field
trips allows for a learning experience that will not only allow different types of
learners to learn but will enrich every individual’s understanding of the topic.
Giving our students the chance to discover and develop their different
intelligences can have a series of benefits for our students; from fostering new
talents to becoming more involved and active learners; developing their capacity
to recognize, and almost more importantly value their individual strengths; or
guiding them into becoming confident, successful and accomplished adults in
their field of choice.
