Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Mary AndrucykHeather Scharf

Ashley Marsigliaand

Lauren Havelka

Howard Gardner

Hobbes Professor of Cognition and Education Harvard Graduate School of Education Also Professor of Psychology Influenced by the work of cognitivists Jean Piaget,

Jerome Brunner, psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, psycholinguist Roger Brown, epistemologist Nelson Goodman, and neurologist Norman Geschwind

Has background in history, psychology, sociology and philosophy

Member of Project Zero at Harvard: group focused on study of higher cognitive processes, and its application into education

Taken from howardgardner.com

Cognitivism: The Underlying Theory

Cognitivism› Mental functions as information processing

models› Learner as computer› Knowledge as schema› Learning = a change in learner’s schemata

The Theory

Developed in 1983 at Harvard Traditional definition of Intelligence doesn’t

adequately define the wide range of human cognitive abilities

Different intelligences for different cognitive abilities Criteria for an intelligence:

› Presence of core operations› Symbolic expression› Support from experimental psychology/psychometrics› Existence of idiot-savants, prodigies, other exceptional

people› Distinct developmental progression

The Intelligences

Spatial Linguistic Logical-mathematical Bodily-kinesthetic Musical Interpersonal Intrapersonal An 8th Intelligence was added in 1999,

Naturalistic Gardner is also considering adding a 9th

Intelligence, Existential

Linguistic Learners Learn best

through language› Written› Verbal

Enjoy reading and writing.

Possible careers:•Writer•Talk show host

Howard Sternthehollywoodgossip.com

How can I help them learn? Allow your students to record themselves

into tape recorders to play back at a later time.

Play games like “Vocabulary Hangman”. Include class discussions.

Musical Learners

• Sensitivity to sound and rhythm

• Study better with music in the background

• Turn lessons into lyrics

• Enjoy audio narrationElvis Pressleyhttp://www.beembee.com/

How can I help them learn?

• Encourage students to create jingles or raps to instructional concepts

• Use books on tape• Allow students to listen to music while

completing work• Teach lessons related to music• Play music throughout the day in your

classroom

Logical-Mathematical Learners

Logic, abstractions, reasoning, numbers Not necessarily mathematical ability Recognizing abstract patterns and

scientific thinking/investigation Strongly correlates with traditional

definition of intelligence, or IQ Careers: anything requiring reasoning

skills, from chess grand master to computer programmer to scientist

Visual-Spatial Learners

Thinks using physical space (ex. Architects)

Likes to draw, do jigsaw puzzles

Taught through drawings, verbal and physical imagery

Ways to teach: use graphics, charts, drawings, videos, TV

Steven Spielbergisraelmatzav.blogspot.com

How can I help them learn?

Use graphics, charts, drawings, videos, TV

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Bodily-Kinesthetic Learners

Use body (ex. Dancer, surgeon)

Great sense of body awareness

Likes to move, make things, touch things

Mostly communicate using body language Charlie Chaplin

yourdailyfacts.com

How can I help them learn?

Use physical activity in teaching (ex. Clapping rhythms, role play, acting out)

Use Hands-On Activities Use real objects and equipment so

students can feel and touch materials

Intrapersonal Learners Learn best on

their own Enjoy

independent activities

Are in tune with their own emotions Possible Careers:

•Therapist•Event Planner

Hellen Kellerhttp://www.notablebiographies.com

How can I help them learn?

Use mood indicators to help students understand how they can learn better in different situations.

Have students set personal goals.

Interpersonal Learners

• Enjoy interacting with others• Enjoy group activities• Very sociable• Street smart

http://www.techweb.org/styles/gardner.html

How can I help them learn?

• Arrange seating so that students can interact with others

• Cooperative learning activities• Interactive technology( Computer

programs)

Criticisms

NOT A THEORY!› Not falsifiable› No evidence the intelligences exist› No studies supporting intelligences› Not supported by cognitive neuroscience› Supposedly separate intelligences (e.g.

language, music, emotions) operate on the same neural passageways

› Little published research

In education

Curriculum: Less emphasis on traditional subjects (logical/mathematical and linguistic), incorporates the other intelligences

Instruction: Appeals to all intelligences Assessment: Diverse, takes into

account each intelligence, involves self-assessment

What are your strengths?

http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/index.htm

Works Cited

http://www.techweb.org/styles/gardner.html

http://www.udel.edu/bateman/acei/multint9.htm

http://school.familyeducation.com/child-based-learning/careers/38496.html