The multiple intelligence theory was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner. He first proposed the concept of multiple intelligence theory in his book, Frames of Mind . Gardner (2018) defines intelligence as the ability to solve problems or fashion products that are of consequence in a particular cultural setting or community. The central idea in this theory is that every individual possesses the eight distinct intelligences (Gardner, 2018). Gardner (2018) asserts that it is impossible for an individual’s cognitive ability to be measured by a solo measurement. He further denotes that every individual manifest each of the eight distinct intelligences in different ways . According to the theory there are important relationships between types of intelligence and learning modes. Each person’s learning abilities depend on the dominant characteristics.
Dr. Howard Gardner was born on 11 th July 1943 in Scranton, Pennsylvania in the United States. He was a Jew who in his early ages loved reading and was also a great pianist. He studied at Harvard University, and in 1965 he attained a degree in social relations. In 1971 he attained a doctorate in developmental psychology from the same university. Gardner married Ellen winner and they are blessed with one child, Benjamin, although he had three children from a previous marriage. In 1983 he wrote the book Frames of Mind . He has received several awards among them the William James award from the American Psychologist Association. Since 1995 Gardner has been busy working on The Goodwork project that emphasizes on ethics and excellence in work place and the digital life.
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The multiple intelligence theory implies that the human mind has a number of abilities that work collectively. In his work, Gardner (2018), sought to explain human abilities beyond intelligent quotient score using the eight intelligences. The eight intelligences include: the linguistic intelligence that is, the ability to use word orally or in writing. The second is logical mathematical intelligence that is, the use of numerals and the ability to reason logically. Thirdly, spatial intelligence that is, the capacity to distinguish visuals and the ability to make renovations to the visual. The fourth intelligence is bodily-kinesthetic used in expressing an individual’s feeling, emotions and abilities; for instance, an actor trying to role play. Musical intelligence is the ability to listen to sound and transform it into a meaningful, rhythmic form. Interpersonal intelligence is an individual’s capacity to understand other people’s feelings, intentions, motivations and emotions. The last intelligence is the naturalistic intelligence, which is concerned with an individual’s ability to be sensitive to the natural phenomena, and their capacity to distinguish between the various species of the plants and animals.
Researchers have shown interest in examining the reliability and validity of the multiple intelligence theory. Multiple intelligences development assessment scale (MIDAS) was one of the tools used in assessing its validity and reliability. Although it’s original version was in English it has been translated into many other languages to serve the purpose. The multiple intelligence theory has been adapted by a number of language instructors. This shows its validity due to increased usability. MIDAS encompasses 7 major scales and 24 subscales. It can be administered in terms of questionnaires or as interview schedules. An investigation demonstrating that 98 college students signed up for a career evaluation was used (Strauss, 2013). Outcomes showed that most of the students considered MIDAS to be beneficial to them and that they acquired new knowledge on their skills and capabilities from their profile (Strauss, 2013). MIDAS provided knowledge in self-awareness among the participants by exposing them to a new way of thinking.
Multiple intelligence theory relates to learning and education in that, every individual has abilities to perform various tasks. While some are talented in musical intelligences others are gifted in spatial intelligence. It is important for teachers to consider other intelligences not only the language and logical intelligences that have dominated for years. Instructors and teachers should appreciate that every student is unique in their own way.
Multiple intelligence has implications for classroom instruction where the teacher or instructor emphasizes on learning ideas in various ways. In a classroom layout, each student has both their strong intelligences and the weaker ones. For example, a student could be strong in linguistic intelligence and weak in the logical intelligence. MI theory emphasis on the need to applaud the student on their strong intelligences as well as strategies in which the weaker intelligences can be improved. The classroom design should be flexible and touches on different areas of learning so that the learners can interact on the bases of the eight intelligences, (Almeida, et.al. 2010). In the classroom, the teacher has the responsibility of ensuring that all students are able to discover other intelligences, abilities and skills apart from the dominant intelligence. The use of story books, plays, handicrafts, songs and rhythms and vocabulary activities has proved to be effective in enhancing good content mastery and the acquisition of new skills.
In conclusion, in my professional career since, I understand that each individual is unique in their own way; I will treat them according to their skills and abilities. I will encourage each individual to learn by collaborating with one another for the benefits of both parties. In addition, the theory has taught me that I should not condemn those who are weaker in certain intelligences but rather encourage them to improve on their weaknesses. Moreover, I will be able to give room to other individuals to express their skills, abilities and talent without undermining their potential.
References
Almeida, L. S., Prieto, M. D., Ferreira, A. I., Bermejo, M. R., Ferrando, M., & Ferrándiz, C. (2010). Intelligence assessment: Gardner multiple intelligence theory as an alternative. Learning and Individual Differences .
Gardner, H. (2018). Multiple approaches to understanding. In Contemporary Theories of Learning . Routledge.
Strauss, V. (2013). Howard Gardner: ‘Multiple intelligences’ are not ‘learning styles’. The Washington Post . Retrieved from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2013/10/16/howard-gardner-multiple-intelligences-are-not-learning-styles/?utm_term=.8b85485e727b
