Multiple Intelligences Theory

Eli Carlisle MAE 5050 9/17/12 Multiple Intelligence Theory Howard Gardner developed his Multiple Intelligence theory some thirty years ago. This theory was created to be a model of intelligence containing different sensory qualities rather than one ability. Gardner expressed the definition of intelligence and new theory in his 1983 book, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. His work sought to answer whether intelligence was singular or involved many different intellectual factors. He wanted to express that the human mind was more than just one machine. He believed the mind should be thought of many different parts that work in relation with the others. Gardner explains there is a vast amount of cognitive abilities. He explains, for example, that just because a student might learn a task fairly easy doesn’t necessarily mean that person is more intelligent than another. Someone who takes more time completely understand or master a task may just be using a different approach that fits their learning needs. It might be best for that particular student to learn through different approach. Students may also be better in a different field or could even understand the task buy just analyzing it on a deeper lever. Sometimes understanding something on a deeper level can make a student appear to be slow. Gardner believes that intelligence is more than an IQ score. He sees it as being a process. Gardner explains different aspects for defining and achieving intelligence. Multiple perspectives were explored in developing a definition for intelligence. There were eight specific criteria drawn from different fields designed to be met in order to gain intelligence. Then from these criteria he derived his seven different intelligences. These intelligences are: language, logical-mathematical analysis, spatial representation, musical thinking, use of the body to solve problems or to make things, an understanding of other

References: Gardner, H. (1999a). Intelligence reframed: Multiple intelligences for the 21st century. New Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: Basic Books. York: Basic Books.