Undercover Intelligence: a Look at Gardner's Theory

LaWesha Bush June 6, 2010

Undercover Intelligence:
A look at Gardner’s Theory Have you ever felt as though you were not as smart as your peers because your grade on a test was lower than average? Has anyone ever told you that the way you perform a certain task is extraordinary, and they wish they had half the talent you possess? The traditional methods of testing, those that are based on writing, reading, and mathematics, are having some of the most extraordinary individuals marked off as not being as intelligent as they truly are. Even though Gardner was a very studious individual, and had done well on standardized test, he was convinced that this method of defining who was, or was not, intelligent was incorrect. After working with normal and gifted children, brain-damaged adults, extensive surveying of sets of literature and disciplines, Gardner arrived at a working definition of ‘an intelligence’ and devised a set of criteria of what counts as an intelligence. Gardner describes intelligence as a biological and psychological potential to solve problems and/ or create products that are valued in one or more cultural contexts. Gardner identifies seven types of intelligence. Gardner believed that there are several areas within our brains in which learning stems from, or is supported by. He listed the multiple intelligences as linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Linguistic intelligence is the ability to manipulate language, meaning it involves the transfer of information through writing, reading, and listening to the spoken word, such as conversation, debates or discussions. Logical-Mathematical intelligence is the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively, and think logically. Simply, it means a person with this type of intelligence asks a lot of questions, likes to experiment, and see logical and numerical patterns in their work by making connections between pieces of information. Spatial intelligence is the ability to manipulate and create mental images in order to solve problems. This type of intelligence is found in mechanically inclined individuals. Musical intelligence is the capability to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms. Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence is the ability to use one’s mental abilities to coordinate one’s own bodily movement. A perfect example of this type of intelligence is found in dancers, athletes, actors, and more. It’s basically the using of the body parts to solve a problem, create something, or put on a performance. Interpersonal intelligence, which is the ability to understand and discern the intentions and feelings of others, and Intrapersonal intelligence, the ability to understand self, are often grouped together although they are indeed separate intelligences. Personally, I can appreciate Gardner’s research. I have been in situations that I have not done as well as I would have liked to on a test that I studied extensively on. I believe that I posses all of these intelligences, many are strong, but a few need to be strengthened. Interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence, linguistic intelligence, and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are the four intelligences that I would say apply most closely to me. It has taken me years to truly recognize and know myself completely. While learning who I truly was, I began to pay attention to people more closely. I have three children that I pay close attention to. The unspoken word is just as loud as verbal communication in my home. The linguistic intelligence is found, I believe, in my story time with my children, my poetry book and journal, as well as my current participation in discussion and response sessions in my online course. Last, but certainly not the least, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is applied during my hip-hop aerobic sessions, African dance classes, and during praise dance performances. Indeed, Gardner was very studious and performed well on standardized tests. He still felt that this method of defining who was smarter was incorrect. Until this method is changed I believe we are going to continue to see individuals that score high on tests, but lack intrapersonal skills, or more importantly lack common sense, be considered for job positions and receive the promotions. Intelligence is not defined by writing, reading, and mathematical skills alone.