Multiple Intelligences

Multiple Intelligences

The theory of Multiple Intelligences was proposed by Dr. Howard Gardner in 1983 where he describes the existence of different kinds and levels of intelligences. For example, the theory states that a child who easily learns about mathematics is not necessarily more intelligent than other who has stronger skills in another kind of intelligence or subject. If the second child learns math using other kind of strategies will learn as much as the first one.

According to this theory there are eight different kinds of intelligence that could be applied in the modern teaching centers which are:

Spatial: This area deals with spatial judgment and the ability to visualize mentally the facts that could occur. Careers which suit with this type of intelligence include artists, designers and architects.

Linguistic: This area has to do with words, spoken or written. People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence display a facility with words and languages. They are typically good at reading, writing, telling stories and memorizing words along with dates. They tend to learn best by reading, taking notes, listening to lectures, discussing and debating Careers that suit people with this intelligence include writers, lawyers, policemen, philosophers, journalists, politicians, poets, and teachers,

Logical-mathematical: This area has to do with logic, abstractions, reasoning, and numbers. While it is often assumed that those with this intelligence naturally excel in mathematics, chess, computer programming and other logical or numerical activities. These intelligence matches with scientists, physicists, mathematicians, logicians, engineers, doctors, economists and philosophers

Bodily-kinesthetic: In theory, people who have bodily-kinesthetic intelligence should learn better by involving muscular movement and are generally good at physical activities such as sports or dance, for example: Athletes, dancers, musicians, actors, surgeons, doctors, builders, police officers, and soldiers.

Musical: This area has to do with sensitivity to sounds, rhythms and music. People with a high musical intelligence normally have good pitch and are able to sing, play musical instruments, and compose music. Careers that suit those with this intelligence include instrumentalists, singers, conductors, disc-jockeys, orators, writers and composers.

Interpersonal: This area has to do with interaction with others. In theory, people who have a high interpersonal intelligence are extrovert and are characterized by their sensitivity to others' moods, feelings, temperaments and motivations, and their ability to cooperate in order to work as part of a group. We can mention with this sales, teachers politicians.

Intrapersonal: This area has to do with self-reflective capacities. People with intrapersonal intelligence are intuitive and typically introverted. They are skillful at deciphering their own feelings and motivations. This intelligence includes philosophers, psychologists, theologians, lawyers, and writers.

Naturalistic: This area has to do with nature, nurturing and relating information to one’s natural surroundings.

Existential: Ability to contemplate phenomena or questions beyond sensory data, such as the infinite. Ideal career: cosmologist, philosopher.

My personal opinion about the theory of Multiple Intelligences is that it can be applied for a teacher who, when confronted with a student having difficulties, uses a different method to teach the material, instead an entire school using an equal methodology of teaching. I agree with those who subscribe to the theory and strive to provide opportunities for the students to use and develop all the different intelligences, not just the few at which they naturally manage to guaranty students to have a wider concept and knowledge of their surrounding word and to provide enough skills of learning to face their lives.