Multiple Intelligence

Aim

Exploring the concept of multiple intelligences which are different types of mental strengths and abilities. Through learning more about which types of intelligence they lean towards may help young people to recognize their own preferences.

Description

TARGET GROUP

Young people (15 – 29 years). It can even be used when working with adults.

TIME NEEDED

45 minutes

EXPLANATION

The most important educational implications of the theory of multiple intelligences can be summed up through individuation and pluralization. Individuation posits that because each person differs from another, there is no logical reason to teach and assess students identically.

Individualized education has typically been reserved for the wealthy and others who could afford to hire tutors to address individual student’s needs.

Technology has now made it possible for more people to access a variety of teachings and assessments depending on their needs. Pluralization, the idea that topics and skills should be taught in more than one way, activates an individual’s multiple intelligences.

Presenting a variety of activities and approaches to learning helps reach all students and encourages them to be able to think about the subjects from various perspectives, deepening their knowledge of that topic (Gardner, 2011b).

A common misconception about the theory of multiple intelligences is that it is synonymous with learning styles. Gardner states that learning styles refer to the way an individual is most comfortable approaching a range of tasks and materials.

Multiple intelligences theory states that everyone has all eight intelligences at varying degrees of proficiency, and an individual’s learning style is unrelated to the areas in which they are the most intelligent.

For example, someone with linguistic intelligence may not necessarily learn best through writing and reading. Classifying students by their learning styles or intelligences alone may limit their potential for learning.

Research shows that students are more engaged and learn best when they are given various ways to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, which also helps teachers more accurately assess student learning (Darling-Hammond, 2010).

There are 8 different intelligences: 

  • Linguistic Intelligence (“word smart”)
  • Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (“number/reasoning smart”)
  • Spatial Intelligence (“picture smart”)
  • Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“body smart”)
  • Musical Intelligence (“music smart”)
  • Interpersonal Intelligence (“people smart”)
  • Intrapersonal Intelligence (“self-smart”)
  • Naturalist intelligence (“nature smart”)

Presenting a variety of activities and approaches to learning helps reach all students and encourages them to be able to think about the subjects from various perspectives, deepening their knowledge of that topic.

IMPLEMENTATION

After learning about all types of intelligence, we hand out printed tests to individuals to assess their own strengths and weaknesses and find out what kind of intelligence is the most relevant to them. 

After finding out the results, we can form small groups (3-4 participants) and discuss our findings. Were you surprised at the results? What were your expectations? In your life, did you experience any difficulties because you “lack” a certain type of intelligence? Are you interested in roles, hobbies and careers that fit your intelligence type? How can you further implement your strengths into your daily life, and how can you overcome your weaknesses?

LIST OF MATERIALS

  • Printed Gardner test,
  • pens.

 

Authors

Howard Gardner and Darling-Hammond
languageLanguage
EN
folderType of Resources
ConceptToolbox