Topic: Multiple Intelligence

Submitted by: Ahmed Calma

1. What is Multiple Intelligence?

The theory of multiple intelligences was proposed by Howard Gardner in 1983 to more accurately define
the concept of intelligence and to address the question whether methods which claim to measure
intelligence (or aspects thereof) are truly scientific.

Gardner's theory argues that intelligence, particularly as it is traditionally defined, does not sufficiently
encompass the wide variety of abilities humans display. In his conception, a child who masters
multiplication easily is not necessarily more intelligent overall than a child who struggles to do so. The
second child may be stronger in another kind of intelligence and therefore 1) may best learn the given
material through a different approach, 2) may excel in a field outside of mathematics, or 3) may even be
looking at the multiplication process at a fundamentally deeper level, which can result in a seeming
slowness that hides a mathematical intelligence that is potentially higher than that of a child who easily
memorizes the multiplication table.

A major criticism of this theory is that it has never been tested, or subjected to peer review, by Gardner or
anyone else, and indeed that it is unfalsifiable.

2. Types and strategies to be used to develop each.

According to multiple intelligence theory, there are eight basic types of intelligence. Originally Gardner
listed seven intelligences, but in 1999 he added the eighth' one: naturalist intelligence. He has also
considered existential intelligence and moral intelligence, but does not find these acceptable. The eight
intelligences that currently are accepted in Multiple intelligence theory are:

 Spatial
 Linguistic
 Logical-mathematical
 Kinesthetic
 Musical
 Interpersonal
 Intrapersonal
 Naturalist

Spatial
This area deals with spatial judgment and the ability to visualize with the mind's eye, so to speak. Careers
which suit those with this type of intelligence include artists, designers and architects. A spatial person is
also good with puzzles.

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,
and discussion and debate. They are also frequently skilled at explaining, teaching and oration or
persuasive speaking. Those with verbal-linguistic intelligence learn foreign languages very easily as they
have high verbal memory and recall, and an ability to understand and manipulate syntax and structure.
Careers that suit those 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, a more accurate definition places less emphasis on traditional mathematical ability
and more on reasoning capabilities, abstract patterns of recognition, scientific thinking and investigation,
and the ability to perform complex calculations. It correlates strongly with traditional concepts of
"intelligence" or IQ. Careers which suit those with this intelligence include scientists, physicists,
mathematicians, logicians, engineers, doctors, economists and philosophers.
Kinesthetic
The core elements of the bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are control of one's bodily motions and capacity
to handle objects skillfully (206). Gardner elaborates to say that this intelligence also includes a sense of
timing, a clear sense of the goal of a physical action, along with the ability to train responses so they
become like reflexes.
In theory, people who have bodily-kinesthetic intelligence should learn better by involving muscular
movement (e.g. getting up and moving around into the learning experience), and are generally good at
physical activities such as sports or dance. They may enjoy acting or performing, and in general they are
good at building and making things. They often learn best by doing something physically, rather than [by]
reading or hearing about it. Those with strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence seem to use what might be
termed muscle memory - they remember things through their body such as verbal memory.
Careers that suit those with this intelligence include: athletes, dancers, musicians, actors, surgeons,
doctors, builders, police officers, and soldiers. Although these careers can be duplicated through virtual
simulation, they will not produce the actual physical learning that is needed in this intelligence.

Musical
This area has to do with sensitivity to sounds, rhythms, tones, and music. People with a high musical
intelligence normally have good pitch and may even have absolute pitch, and are able to sing, play
musical instruments, and compose music. Since there is a strong auditory component to this intelligence,
those who are strongest in it may learn best via lecture. Language skills are typically highly developed in
those whose base intelligence is musical. In addition, they will sometimes use songs or rhythms to learn.
They have sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, meter, tone, melody or timbre.
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 tend to be extroverts, 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. They
communicate effectively and empathize easily with others, and may be either leaders or followers. They
typically learn best by working with others and often enjoy discussion and debate.
Careers that suit those with this intelligence include sales, politicians, managers, teachers, and social
workers.

Intrapersonal
This area has to do with introspective and self-reflective capacities. People with intrapersonal intelligence
are intuitive and typically introverted. They are skillful at deciphering their own feelings and motivations.
This refers to having a deep understanding of the self; what are your strengths/ weaknesses, what makes
you unique, can you predict your own reactions/ emotions.
Careers which suit those with this intelligence include philosophers, psychologists, theologians, lawyers,
and writers. People with intrapersonal intelligence also prefer to work alone.

Naturalistic
This area has to do with nature, nurturing and relating information to one’s natural surroundings. Careers
which suit those with this intelligence include naturalists, farmers, and gardeners.