CONCEPT
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes nine different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults. These intelligences are the following:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Howard Gardner defined the first seven intelligences in FRAMES OF MIND (1983). He added the last two in INTELLIGENCE REFRAMED (1999). Gardner is a psychologist and Professor at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, as well as Co-Director of Harvard Project Zero.
Based on his study of many people from many different walks of life in everyday circumstances and professions, Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences. He performed interviews with and brain research on hundreds of people, including stroke victims, prodigies, autistic individuals, and so-called "idiot savants."
According to Gardner,
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes nine different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults. These intelligences are the following:
- Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence -- well-developed verbal skills and sensitivity to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words
- Mathematical-Logical Intelligence -- ability to think conceptually and abstractly, and capacity to discern logical or numerical patterns
- Musical Intelligence -- ability to produce and appreciate rhythm and pitch
- Visual-Spatial Intelligence -- capacity to think in images and pictures, to visualize accurately and abstractly
- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence -- ability to control one's body movements and to handle objects skillfully
- Interpersonal Intelligence -- capacity to detect and respond appropriately to the moods, motivations and desires of others.
- Intrapersonal Intelligence -- capacity to be self-aware and in tune with inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes
- Naturalist Intelligence -- ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals and other objects in nature
- Existential Intelligence -- sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Howard Gardner defined the first seven intelligences in FRAMES OF MIND (1983). He added the last two in INTELLIGENCE REFRAMED (1999). Gardner is a psychologist and Professor at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, as well as Co-Director of Harvard Project Zero.
Based on his study of many people from many different walks of life in everyday circumstances and professions, Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences. He performed interviews with and brain research on hundreds of people, including stroke victims, prodigies, autistic individuals, and so-called "idiot savants."
According to Gardner,
- All human beings possess all nine 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.
my results
PERSONAL REFLECTION
After taking the Multiple Intelligences Inventory designed by McKenzie, I can conclude that my top intelligences or capacities seem to be naturalistic (80 out of 100), visual (70) and verbal (60)/interpersonal (60). Honestly I hadn't realized I seemed to possess the naturalist intelligence until I took this inventory. Having a naturalistic capacity implies much more than just appreciating nature and loving the outdoors. In my case, it has to do with the fact I enjoy sorting out and organizing materials and the fact I prefer charts, tables, diagrams and outlines. Regarding the visual intelligence, I did know that it was one of my strengths. In fact, I always make use of visuals of different kinds when I teach. In relation to the verbal and interpersonal intelligences, I concur with the results obtained from the inventory. I consider I have a strong linguistic intelligence demonstrated by my facility to speak and write effectively as well as my flair for languages. In terms of the interpersonal intelligence, I guess that I am quite successful at fostering empathy and creating positive relationships with others in spite of being somewhat timid.
After taking the Multiple Intelligences Inventory designed by McKenzie, I can conclude that my top intelligences or capacities seem to be naturalistic (80 out of 100), visual (70) and verbal (60)/interpersonal (60). Honestly I hadn't realized I seemed to possess the naturalist intelligence until I took this inventory. Having a naturalistic capacity implies much more than just appreciating nature and loving the outdoors. In my case, it has to do with the fact I enjoy sorting out and organizing materials and the fact I prefer charts, tables, diagrams and outlines. Regarding the visual intelligence, I did know that it was one of my strengths. In fact, I always make use of visuals of different kinds when I teach. In relation to the verbal and interpersonal intelligences, I concur with the results obtained from the inventory. I consider I have a strong linguistic intelligence demonstrated by my facility to speak and write effectively as well as my flair for languages. In terms of the interpersonal intelligence, I guess that I am quite successful at fostering empathy and creating positive relationships with others in spite of being somewhat timid.