Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences - Howard Gardner
Every month an eLearning team member researches a learning theory to present to the rest of the team. This gives us valuable knowledge that can enhance your learning and teaching as well as can influence the way in which we support you with technology.
Howard Gardner is Professor of cognition and education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Gardner’s cognitive theory works on the basis that individuals are capable of seven forms of intelligence as opposed to having a single ability. In short the theory holds that we learn and process information in different ways and one may demonstrate particularly strong intelligences in one area but also exhibit a range of other intelligences. The impetus is to use multiple intelligences as a framework. By having an awareness of differing learning approaches, teachers can adapt their learning design to accommodate the range of needs of the learners. Another perspective of this theory is that one who excels in musical activities can be just as intelligent as one who excels in logical mathematical areas. Each intelligence is independent and of equal importance.
The intelligences and their meanings are summarised below:
Intelligence
|
Meaning
|
Linguistic
|
Words and language
|
Logical-mathematical
|
Logic and numbers
|
Musical
|
Music, sound, rhythm
|
Spatial
|
Images and space
|
Body-kinesthetic
|
Body movement control
|
Intrapersonal (insight)
|
Self-awareness
|
Interpersonal (social skills)
|
Other people’s feelings
|
Fig 1. Table to explain the meaning behind the intelligences Source: Business Balls 2013
Gardner has continued to develop the multiple intelligences model and you will find more recent literature which refers to additional intelligences; naturalistic, spiritual, existential and moral.
Naturalistic
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Natural environment
|
Spiritual/existential
|
Religion and ultimate issues
|
Moral
|
Ethics, humanity, value of life
|
Fig 2. Table to summarise the meaning behind current intelligences: Business Balls 2013
Gardner’s theory appears to recognise the existence of a combination of and concurrent intelligences rather than putting people into a one fit description. (Gardner 2006, p.22) states that “Inasmuch as nearly every cultural role requires several intelligences, it becomes important to consider individuals as a collection of aptitudes rather than as having a singular problem-solving faculty that can be measured directly through pencil-and-paper tests. “
Gardner’s statement infers that his theory goes beyond thinking of multiple intelligences as purely a learning styles framework but considers its relevance to assessment. This theory certainly raises interesting considerations for educators in relation to assessment.
As an extension to this brief summary and consideration of Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory it would be interesting to consider some critiques of this approach and how it works in a digital context. On a personal level I am open to Gardner’s theory although I can see that it could be construed as subjective and hard to measure.
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences – a Digital Perspective
Fig 3. Mindmap Representation of Multiple Intelligences and learning technologies: EFL Classroom 2013
Further reading:
Gardner, H (2006) Multiple intelligences: New Horizons in theory & practice. [Online] Cambridge: Perseus Books. Available from: http://web.ebscohost.com[Accessed 28/02/2013].
Harvard Graduate School of Education. Project Zero. [Online] Available from: http://pzweb.harvard.edu/PIs/HG.htm[Accessed 04/01/2013].
Smith, Mark K. (2002, 2008) Howard Gardner and Multiple Intelligences', the encyclopedia of informal education. [Online] Available from: http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm[Accessed 04/01/2013].
Wikipedia. Theory of Multiple Intelligences. [Online] Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_multiple_intelligences. [Accessed 27/02/2013].
Weiss, R.P., 2000. Howard Gardner Talks about Technology. Business and Economics Management [e-journal] Vol 54, Issue 9, Available from: http://search.proquest.com/docview/227002689?accountid=11528[Accessed28/02/2013].
Businessballs.com.Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. [Online] Available from: http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm[Accessed 04/01/2013].
EFL Classroom. Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences and ICT Resources. [Online] http://community.eflclassroom.com/photo/howard-gardner-s-multiple-intelligences-and-ict-resources[Accessed 27/02/2013].
