Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Many of us are familiar with three general categories in which people learn: visual learners, auditory learners, and kinesthetic learners. Beyond these three general categories, many theories of and approaches toward human potential have been developed. Among them is the theory of multiple intelligences, developed by Howard Gardner, Ph.D., Professor of Education at Harvard University.
Gardner’s early work in psychology and later in human cognition and human potential led to the development of the initial six intelligences. Today there are nine intelligences and the possibility of others may eventually expand the list. These intelligences (or competencies) relate to a person’s unique aptitude set of capabilities and ways they might prefer to demonstrate intellectual abilities.
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
1. Verbal-linguistic intelligence (well-developed verbal skills and sensitivity to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words)
2. Logical-mathematical intelligence (ability to think conceptually and abstractly, and capacity to discern logical and numerical patterns)
3. Spatial-visual intelligence (capacity to think in images and pictures, to visualize accurately and abstractly)
4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (ability to control one’s body movements and to handle objects skillfully)
5. Musical intelligences (ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch and timber)
6. Interpersonal intelligence (capacity to detect and respond appropriately to the moods, motivations and desires of others)
7. Intrapersonal (capacity to be self-aware and in tune with inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes)
8. Naturalist intelligence (ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals and other objects in nature)
9. Existential intelligence (sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence such as, What is the meaning of life? Why do we die? How did we get here?
(Source: Thirteen ed online, 2004)
"Multiple intelligences is a psychological theory about the mind. It's a critique of the notion that there's a single intelligence which we're born with, which can't be changed, and which psychologists can measure. It's based on a lot of scientific research in fields ranging from psychology to anthropology to biology. It's not based upon based on test correlations, which most other intelligence theories are based on. The claim is that there are at least eight different human intelligences. Most intelligence tests look at language or logic or both - those are just two of the intelligences. The other six are musical, spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. I make two claims. The first claim is that all human beings have all of these intelligences. It's part of our species definition. The second claim is that, both because of our genetics and our environment, no two people have exactly the same profile of intelligences, not even identical twins, because their experiences are different."
Application of gardner's theory to the classroom.
Students begin to understand how they are intelligent. In Gardner's view, learning is both a social and psychological process. When students understand the balance of their own multiple intelligences they begin
To manage their own learning
To value their individual strengths
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence supplies credence to something teachers have known for generations.
Teachers understand how students are intelligent as well as how intelligent they are. Some students are good at some activities but not others. The great thing about the theory is that it's respected and acceptable to use while designing your lesson plans and units. By being able to cite this theory, you can back up your own knowledge of why it's important to include art, music, charts, and group work on a regular basis.
Gardner's theory is also gaining prestige in the differentiated learning field as well. When a teacher uses multiple intelligences in lesson plans, it shows creativity, drive, and a concern for students. By using activities based on this theory in your classroom, you prove to your administrator that you are working to reach all of your students and help them achieve.
Use of multiple intelligences in classroom
It is important to remember that you may not be able to use all intelligences in every lesson. That is a good goal to strive for, but there are times that you may not be able to do this. Be gentle with yourself, especially as you are beginning the process.One quality technique to include in your classroom is to have the students complete a multiple intelligences survey. By completing this survey, you can choose which types of activities can reach the majority of your classroom· I've taken typical assignments in a variety of subject matters and given examples for student activities. Use these activities as a jumping point for your own. Remember that multiple intelligences can be used in any age level or subject matter.Take music, for example. As educator, David Thornburg of the Thornburg Institute notes,"The mood of a piece of music might communicate, clearer than words, the feeling of an era being studied in history. The exploration of rhythm can help some students understand fractions. The exploration of the sounds of an organ can lead to an understanding of vibrational modes in physics. What caused the great scientist Kepler to think of the motions of planets in musical terms? Astronomy students could program a synthesizer to play Kepler's 'music of the spheres' and explore history, science, math and music all at once." The following are some benefits:
You will provide opportunities for authentic learning based on your students' needs, interests and talents. The multiple intelligence classroom acts like the "real" world: the author and the illustrator of a book are equally valuable creators. Students become more active, involved learners.
Parent and community involvement in your school may increase. This happens as students demonstrate work before panels and audiences. Activities involving apprenticeship learning bring members of the community into the learning process.
Students will be able to demonstrate and share their strengths. Building strengths gives a student the motivation to be a "specialist." This can in turn lead to increased self-esteem.When you "teach for understanding," your students accumulate positive educational experiences and the capability for creating solutions to problems in life.
Teachers understand how students are intelligent as well as how intelligent they are. Students approach understanding from different angles. The problem, "What is sand?" has scientific, poetic, artistic, musical, and geographic points of entry.
Students that exhibit comprehension through rubrics , portfolios , or demonstrations come to have an authentic understanding of achievement. The accomplishment of the lawyer is in winning her case through research and persuasive argument, more than in having passed the bar exam.Students become balanced individuals who can function as members of their culture. Classroom activities that teach to the intelligences foster deep understanding about the essential questions of life, such as: Where do we come from? What's the world made of? What have humans achieved? What can we achieve? How does one lead a good life?
Many of us are familiar with three general categories in which people learn: visual learners, auditory learners, and kinesthetic learners. Beyond these three general categories, many theories of and approaches toward human potential have been developed. Among them is the theory of multiple intelligences, developed by Howard Gardner, Ph.D., Professor of Education at Harvard University.
Gardner’s early work in psychology and later in human cognition and human potential led to the development of the initial six intelligences. Today there are nine intelligences and the possibility of others may eventually expand the list. These intelligences (or competencies) relate to a person’s unique aptitude set of capabilities and ways they might prefer to demonstrate intellectual abilities.
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
1. Verbal-linguistic intelligence (well-developed verbal skills and sensitivity to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words)
2. Logical-mathematical intelligence (ability to think conceptually and abstractly, and capacity to discern logical and numerical patterns)
3. Spatial-visual intelligence (capacity to think in images and pictures, to visualize accurately and abstractly)
4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (ability to control one’s body movements and to handle objects skillfully)
5. Musical intelligences (ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch and timber)
6. Interpersonal intelligence (capacity to detect and respond appropriately to the moods, motivations and desires of others)
7. Intrapersonal (capacity to be self-aware and in tune with inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes)
8. Naturalist intelligence (ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals and other objects in nature)
9. Existential intelligence (sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence such as, What is the meaning of life? Why do we die? How did we get here?
(Source: Thirteen ed online, 2004)
"Multiple intelligences is a psychological theory about the mind. It's a critique of the notion that there's a single intelligence which we're born with, which can't be changed, and which psychologists can measure. It's based on a lot of scientific research in fields ranging from psychology to anthropology to biology. It's not based upon based on test correlations, which most other intelligence theories are based on. The claim is that there are at least eight different human intelligences. Most intelligence tests look at language or logic or both - those are just two of the intelligences. The other six are musical, spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. I make two claims. The first claim is that all human beings have all of these intelligences. It's part of our species definition. The second claim is that, both because of our genetics and our environment, no two people have exactly the same profile of intelligences, not even identical twins, because their experiences are different."
Application of gardner's theory to the classroom.
Students begin to understand how they are intelligent. In Gardner's view, learning is both a social and psychological process. When students understand the balance of their own multiple intelligences they begin
To manage their own learning
To value their individual strengths
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence supplies credence to something teachers have known for generations.
Teachers understand how students are intelligent as well as how intelligent they are. Some students are good at some activities but not others. The great thing about the theory is that it's respected and acceptable to use while designing your lesson plans and units. By being able to cite this theory, you can back up your own knowledge of why it's important to include art, music, charts, and group work on a regular basis.
Gardner's theory is also gaining prestige in the differentiated learning field as well. When a teacher uses multiple intelligences in lesson plans, it shows creativity, drive, and a concern for students. By using activities based on this theory in your classroom, you prove to your administrator that you are working to reach all of your students and help them achieve.
Use of multiple intelligences in classroom
It is important to remember that you may not be able to use all intelligences in every lesson. That is a good goal to strive for, but there are times that you may not be able to do this. Be gentle with yourself, especially as you are beginning the process.One quality technique to include in your classroom is to have the students complete a multiple intelligences survey. By completing this survey, you can choose which types of activities can reach the majority of your classroom· I've taken typical assignments in a variety of subject matters and given examples for student activities. Use these activities as a jumping point for your own. Remember that multiple intelligences can be used in any age level or subject matter.Take music, for example. As educator, David Thornburg of the Thornburg Institute notes,"The mood of a piece of music might communicate, clearer than words, the feeling of an era being studied in history. The exploration of rhythm can help some students understand fractions. The exploration of the sounds of an organ can lead to an understanding of vibrational modes in physics. What caused the great scientist Kepler to think of the motions of planets in musical terms? Astronomy students could program a synthesizer to play Kepler's 'music of the spheres' and explore history, science, math and music all at once." The following are some benefits:
You will provide opportunities for authentic learning based on your students' needs, interests and talents. The multiple intelligence classroom acts like the "real" world: the author and the illustrator of a book are equally valuable creators. Students become more active, involved learners.
Parent and community involvement in your school may increase. This happens as students demonstrate work before panels and audiences. Activities involving apprenticeship learning bring members of the community into the learning process.
Students will be able to demonstrate and share their strengths. Building strengths gives a student the motivation to be a "specialist." This can in turn lead to increased self-esteem.When you "teach for understanding," your students accumulate positive educational experiences and the capability for creating solutions to problems in life.
Teachers understand how students are intelligent as well as how intelligent they are. Students approach understanding from different angles. The problem, "What is sand?" has scientific, poetic, artistic, musical, and geographic points of entry.
Students that exhibit comprehension through rubrics , portfolios , or demonstrations come to have an authentic understanding of achievement. The accomplishment of the lawyer is in winning her case through research and persuasive argument, more than in having passed the bar exam.Students become balanced individuals who can function as members of their culture. Classroom activities that teach to the intelligences foster deep understanding about the essential questions of life, such as: Where do we come from? What's the world made of? What have humans achieved? What can we achieve? How does one lead a good life?
AWESOME! BEST BLOG EVER! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDelete