What Is Being “Smart?” – Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

IQ: Intelligence Quotient The traditional psychological view was based largely on studies of mental tests. All human problem solving is governed by one underlying mental ability- known as general intelligence or g-factor (Charles Spearman). Gardner’s years of research led him to doubt general intelligence

Intelligence in different cultures Industrialized North Americans tend to associate intelligence with speedy answers In the Mashona tribe in Zimbabwe, the intelligent person exercises prudence and caution especially in social interaction

Gardner Disagrees with Spearman / G-Factor What about brain damaged people who can play beautiful music? What about child “prodigies”- excel in a few specific areas, but can do poorly on other tasks (maybe excel in math, but do not draw well)?

MI challenges IQ: MI maintains that several intelligences are at work, not just one Intelligence is expressed in our performances, products and ideas; not through a test score How the intelligences are expressed is culturally defined.

8 Intelligences – by Dr. Howard Gardner 1.Linguistic 2.Logical/ Mathematical 3.Spatial 4.Bodily/ Kinesthetic 5.Musical 6.Interpersonal 7.Intrapersonal 8.Naturalistic

Can you define intelligence? Toni Morrison Linguistic Intelligence Skilled with words “The Word Player”

Can you define intelligence? Albert Einstein Logical/ Mathematical Intelligence Skilled with numbers & reasoning “The Questioner”

Can you define intelligence? Spatial Intelligence Skilled with pictures & images “The Visualizer”

Can you define intelligence? Athletes Bodily/ Kinesthetic Intelligence Physical skill “The Mover”

Can you define intelligence? Musical Intelligence Skilled with melody & rhythm “The Music Lover”

Can you define intelligence? Interpersonal Intelligence Skills of social understanding “The Socializer”

Can you define intelligence? Helen Keller Intrapersonal Intelligence Skills of self-knowledge “The Individual”

Can you define intelligence? Naturalistic Intelligence Skills of making connection to elements in nature “The Outdoorsman”

Linguistic If you have strong linguistic intelligence you might learn better by Reading Memorizing Playing word games (Scrabble, Anagrams, Password) Making up rhymes, puns

Logical/Mathematical Learner If you have strong logical-mathematical intelligence you might learn better by Recording information systematically Setting up experiments (“What if…?”) Playing strategy games (Chess, Checkers) Analyzing data Asking logical questions

Spatial Learner If you have strong spatial intelligence you might learn better by Studying pictures Watching videos Using visual, tangible aids Doing mazes, puzzles Making predictions

Bodily/Kinesthetic Learner If you have strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence you might learn better by Doing role plays Constructing physical examples Exercising while reviewing Visiting museums, institutions, parks Asking logical questions

Musical Learner If you have strong musical intelligence you might learn better by Listening to recordings Talking to yourself Making up songs Mentally repeating information Reading aloud Changing tempo

Interpersonal Learner If you have strong interpersonal intelligence you might learn better by Studying in groups Comparing information with others Interviewing experts Relating personal experiences Being a teamplayer Doing cooperative projects

Intrapersonal Learner If you have strong intrapersonal intelligence you might learn better by Avoiding distractions Establishing personal goals Playing solitary games Setting own pace Working alone Relating personal experiences

Naturalistic Learner If you have strong naturalistic intelligence you might learn better by Studying outside Learning in the presence of plants & pets Relating environmental issues to topics Smelling, seeing touching, tasting, Observing natural phenomenon