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To continue with our theme of diversity in learning types, we will dive deeper into the world of educational psychology and discuss Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. “Intelligence,” as defined by Merriam-Webster, “is that the ability to accumulate and apply knowledge and skills.”
Historically, the concept of intelligence was utilized as a measure of your worth and potential. You are born with a level of intelligence, measured by IQ tests, and you cannot change or improve your set level of intelligence.
This definition and pre-conceived notion limited growth and block the various paths an individual can pursue. In the 1980s, a Harvard psychologist named Harvard Gardner proposed one such theory that expanded on the view of traditional intelligence.
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
“We are all able to know the earth through language, logical-mathematical analysis, spatial representation, musical thinking, the use of the body to unravel problems or to make things, an understanding of other individuals, and an understanding of ourselves. Where individuals differ is within the strength of these intelligences – the so-called profile of intelligences -and within the ways during which such intelligences are invoked and combined to carry out different tasks, solve diverse problems, and progress in various domains.”
Howard Gardner
Gardner suggests that the long-held view of intelligence is too limiting to the entire population and that people have at least eight kinds of intelligences.
To encompass a person’s entire psyche, he theorized that people have the capacity for a range of intelligences. This range includes linguistic, musical, naturalistic, spatial-visual, and more. An individual can maintain any number of those different intelligences, and every person will have varying levels of each. Not all are measurable through the ever-popular IQ IQ test.
Counterargument to Multiple Intelligences
With every new theory comes criticism from scholars, psychologists, and educators. Most critiques note that Gardner’s definition is broad, and his identified “intelligences” are simply talents of traits. Additionally, critics note that there is not sufficient evidence to support his theory.
However, the idea of multiple intelligences is popular with educators. Many teachers utilize various intelligences in their teaching and integrate Gardner’s theory in unique ways throughout the classroom.
A Summary of the Eight
- Visual-Spatial Intelligence – Visual and spatial judgment
- Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence – Words, language, and writing
- Logical-Mathematical Intelligence – Analyzing problems and mathematical operations
- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence – Physical movement and motor control
- Musical Intelligence – Rhythm and music
- Interpersonal Intelligence – Understanding and relating to other people
- Intrapersonal Intelligence – Introspection and self-reflection
- Naturalistic Intelligence – Finding patterns and relationships to nature
With each intelligence comes their strengths, common characteristics, and common career choices. Knowing your strengths and interests, or “intelligences,” can help you determine your future career path and how to get started.
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FAQs
To broaden this notion of intelligence, Gardner introduced eight different types of intelligences consisting of: Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist.
What are the 9 multiple intelligences? ›
9 Types of Intelligence
Naturalistic, Musical, Logical–mathematical, Existential, Interpersonal, Linguistic, Bodily–kinaesthetic, Intra–personal and Spatial intelligence.
What does the Bible say about multiple intelligences? ›
THE LINK BETWEEN MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES AND FAITH
1 Corinthians chapter 12 tells us that God created each one of us with different abilities and spiritual gifts, all for the service of our Lord.
How would you summarize the multiple intelligences theory? ›
In short, this theory states that each person has different ways of learning and different intelligences they use in their daily lives. While some can learn very well in a linguistically-based environment (reading and writing), others are better taught through mathematical-logic based learning.
What are the 8 types of intelligence? ›
Eight types of intelligence
- Logical-mathematical intelligence. ...
- Linguistic intelligence. ...
- Spatial Intelligence. ...
- Musical Intelligence. ...
- Bodily-kinesthetic Intelligence. ...
- Intrapersonal Intelligence. ...
- Interpersonal Intelligence. ...
- Naturalistic intelligence.
This theory suggests human intelligence can be differentiated into the following modalities: visual-spatial, verbal-linguistic, musical-rhythmic, logical-mathematical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic and bodily-kinesthetic.
Who was the most intelligent king in the Bible? ›
Solomon was the biblical king most famous for his wisdom. In 1 Kings he sacrificed to God, and God later appeared to him in a dream, asking what Solomon wanted from God. Solomon asked for wisdom in order to better rule and guide his people.
How many intellects and wills does Jesus have? ›
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Similarly, at the Sixth ecumenical council, Constantinople III in 681, the Church confessed that Christ possesses two wills and two natural operations, divine and human.
What does God say about intelligence? ›
And because every detail of God's creation expresses Him, He gives the full gift of divine intelligence to man. Intelligence is a spiritual attribute, fully, freely, and equally a part of each individual's expression of God. Understanding this spiritual truth can make a difference -- for us and our children.
What is the focus of Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences? ›
Basically, people can be different types of learners depending on their own type of intelligence. His theory claims human beings have 8 distinct intelligences they use to solve problems or create products valued in a community. Gardner uses a computer metaphor to contrast these 2 definitions of intelligence.
The theory of Multiple Intelligences emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing different types of intelligence and adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Why is it important to understand the theory of multiple intelligences? ›
Gardner's multiple intelligences theory can be used for curriculum development, planning instruction, selection of course activities, and related assessment strategies.
What are the multiple intelligences of Harry Gardner? ›
The theory claims that human beings have different ways in which they process data, each being independent. The eight types of intelligence described by Gardner include: musical-rhythmic, visual-spatial, verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic.
What are the four types of intelligences? ›
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) Emotional Quotient (EQ) Social Quotient (SQ) Adversity Quotient (AQ)
What is Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences quizlet? ›
His theory emphasizes that there are many different types of intelligence and each person can possess multiple of them in varying degrees. This theory is important as it highlights people's different strengths instead of having only one category of intelligence and one category determining if a person is smart or not.
What is the Gardner multiple intelligence test? ›
The Gardner Multiple Intelligences Test explores the idea of eight intelligence types. With many intelligence tests focusing on one area of intelligence only, this test attempts to diversify what it means to be smart.
