MULTIPLE
 INTELLIGENCES 		 

 

 

 
 

 The theory of Multiple Intelligences was developed by Dr. Howard Gardner, 
 a psychologist, and professor of neuroscience from Harvard University.
   
 

  Take a GUIDED TOUR of this WebSite 
to obtain an overview of the MI Theory 
           
Visit the BBC Learning for Adults HomepageINTELLIGENCES
IDENTIFIED		   Visit the BBC Learning for Adults HomepageLESSON PLAN
IDEAS		   Visit the BBC Learning college pageTECHNOLOGY CONSIDERATIONS  
The MI theory is based on the belief that we all possess at least eight unique intelligences through which we are able to learn/teach new information.  Although we each have all eight, no two individuals have them in the same exact amounts. Learning through a variety of unique experiences allows children to better understand themselves as lifelong learners, and to see how others acquire knowledge and apply their skills. The multiple intelligences can be enhanced with the use of technology. Following Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligence, teachers can encourage development by providing enrichment opportunities in each of the areas of the intellect.
           
 

According to Gardner, intelligence is:

  • The ability to create an effective product or offer a service that is valued in a culture
  • A set of skills that make it possible for a person to solve problems in life
  • The potential for finding or creating solutions for problems, which involves gathering new knowledge
  

According to Gardner:

  • All human beings possess all intelligences in varying amounts.
  • Each person has a different intellectual composition.
  • We can improve education by addressing the multiple intelligences of our students.
  • These intelligences are located in different areas of the brain and can either work independently or together.
  • These intelligences may define the human species.
  
         
Traditional View of "Intelligence"

"Multiple Intelligences" Theory
Intelligence can be measured by short-answer tests:

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Quotient
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISCIV)
Woodcock Johnson test of Cognitive Ability
Scholastic Aptitude Test

Assessment of an individual's multiple intelligences can foster learning and problem-solving styles. Short answer tests are not used because they do not measure disciplinary mastery or deep understanding. They only measure rote memorization skills and one's ability to do well on short answer tests. Some states have developed tests that value process over the final answer, such as PAM (Performance Assessment in Math) and PAL (Performance Assessment in Language)

People are born with a fixed amount of intelligence.

Human beings have all of the intelligences, but each person has a unique combination, or profile.

Intelligence level does not change over a lifetime.

We can all improve each of the intelligences, though some people will improve more readily in one intelligence area than in others.

Intelligence consists of ability in logic and language.

There are many more types of intelligence which reflect different ways of interacting with the world

In traditional practice, teachers teach the same material to everyone.

M.I. pedagogy implies that teachers teach and assess differently based on individual intellectual strengths and weaknesses.

Teachers teach a topic or "subject."

Teachers structure learning activities around an issue or question and connect subjects. Teachers develop strategies that allow for students to demonstrate multiple ways of understanding and value their uniqueness.

 
It's not how smart you are, 
                 it's how you are smart!"|
—Howard Gardner Interview, "Common Miracles" ABC 1993

Intelligence is:

  • the capacity to do something useful in the society in which we live
  • the ability to respond successfully to new situations and the capacity to learn from one’s past experiences.”
    —    Dr. Howard Gardner, author, Frames of Mind and Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice

The intelligences act in consort     
          - they are not mutually exclusive 
MI Theory was not developed to exclude individuals, 
   but to allow all people to contribute to society
          through their own strengths!     
          —Walter McKenzie

 

 

Surveys and Quizzes

 

Differentiation Workshop Mentor Training Basics:

Concept to Classroom:  Online Workshop

Special Report:

PowerPoint Presentation:

  

References and Resources:

MI Schools:

   

Special MI Links to Note:

  Multiple Intelligence WebQuest                     Technology and Multiple Intelligences
  MI Materials and Activities List                   MI and Early Childhood
  MI Assessments and Strategies                
  

 

   

These web pages are compiled by Roger Hampton
in an effort to organize information from various sources
on the subject of Multiple Intelligences
for consideration and utilization by educators.

Latest Update:  June 15, 2009

Contact Me
Roger Hampton