Howard Gardner of Harvard has identified seven distinct intelligences. This theory has emerged from recent cognitive research and «documents the extent to which students possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and understand in different ways,» according to Gardner (1991). According to this theory, «we are all able to know the world through language, logical-mathematical analysis, spatial representation, musical thinking, the use of the body to solve problems or to make things, an understanding of other individuals, and an understanding of ourselves. Where individuals differ is in the strength of these intelligences – the so-called profile of intelligences -and in the ways in which such intelligences are invoked and combined to carry out different tasks, solve diverse problems, and progress in various domains.»
Gardner says that these differences «challenge an educational system that assumes that everyone can learn the same materials in the same way and that a uniform, universal measure suffices to test student learning. Indeed, as currently constituted, our educational system is heavily biased toward linguistic modes of instruction and assessment and, to a somewhat lesser degree, toward logical-quantitative modes as well.» Gardner argues that «a contrasting set of assumptions is more likely to be educationally effective. Students learn in ways that are identifiably distinctive. The broad spectrum of students – and perhaps the society as a whole – would be better served if disciplines could be presented in a numbers of ways and learning could be assessed through a variety of means.»
The learning styles are as follows:
The 8 Multiple Intelligences
In his theory, Dr. Gardner defined eight types of intelligence. Every person has all of the eight types of intelligence; however, the intelligence level of each type of intelligence varies in every individual, making up a unique intelligence profile for every person.
The intelligences defined by Dr. Gardner are as follows:
1. Verbal/Linguistic – Children with high intelligence in this area are quite verbally adept. They are tuned in to the nuances of language as well as the order and rhythm of words. You can identify children with high verbal/linguistic intelligence through their love of reading, an excellent memory for names and places and exceptional storytelling abilities.
2. Math/Logical – Strong deductive and abstract reasoning skills are a hallmark of children with high math/logical intelligence.
3. Spatial – If you have a child who can build just about anything with Legos or draw a reasonably accurate representation of a spatial form, then chances are you have a child with a higher level of spatial intelligence. Often children with this type of intelligence need to see a picture of something in order to understand and process what it is they are learning.
4. Musical – Sensitivity to sound and its musicality are strong in children with this type of intelligence. They understand rhythm and often appreciate well-constructed music as an art form.
5. Bodily/Kinesthetic – Kinesthetic children are often children on the move. They are typically well-coordinated and have the ability to use their bodies for problem solving or personal expression. They often learn best through the manipulation of objects.
6. Interpersonal – A child with high interpersonal intelligence often forms relationships well and seems to have an innate understanding of the feelings and motivations of others. These children communicate well, especially in terms of mediation and negotiation and thrive in group and cooperative settings.
7. Intrapersonal – High intrapersonal intelligence is displayed with a clear understanding of one’s own goals, motivations and emotions. Most children with this type of intelligence are fully aware of their own capabilities and strengths and now how to build on them.
8. Naturalist – If you have an outdoorsy child who loves nature in all of its forms (plants, animals, etc.), then you probably have a naturalist on your hands.
Using Multiple Intelligence as a Teaching Tool
Chances are that you’ve recognized your child in one or more of the above descriptions. If not, there are multiple intelligence tests that can help you to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Focusing on teaching all academic subjects using your child’s intellectual strengths can help that child to excel in all of his learning. Any subject can be taught in such a way that it zeroes in on your child’s areas of strength. For instance, math topics can be taught using music, movement, manipulation of objects or nature depending on your child’s intelligences. A musical child having difficulty in math might learn concepts better when taught those concepts in association with rhythm, while a kinesthetic child struggling with language arts might learn the concepts better if she is taught in association with movement and manipulation of objects. Since most children typically have greater levels of intelligence in more than one of the eight intelligences, it is possible to develop multiple strategies to help children learn in ways that best suit their unique brains.
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