GARDNER'S MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES

(a précis of http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.htm)
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 eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults. These intelligences are:
  • Linguistic intelligence ("word smart"):
  • Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart")
  • Spatial intelligence ("picture smart")
  • Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence ("body smart")
  • Musical intelligence ("music smart")
  • Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart")
  • Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart")
  • Naturalist intelligence ("nature smart")

Dr. Gardner says that our schools and culture focus most of their attention on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. We look up to highly articulate or logical people of our culture. However, Dr. Gardner says that we should also place equal attention on individuals who show gifts in the other intelligences: the artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers, dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and others who enrich the world in which we live. Unfortunately, many children who have these gifts don’t receive much reinforcement for them in school. Many of these kids, in fact, end up being labeled "learning disabled," "ADD (attention deficit disorder," or simply underachievers, when their unique ways of thinking and learning aren’t addressed by a heavily linguistic or logical-mathematical classroom.

Something to be learnt can be presented in lots of different ways so that all children have the opportunity to learn. It can be explained with:

bullet words (linguistic intelligence)
bullet numbers or logic (logical-mathematical intelligence)
bullet pictures (spatial intelligence)
bullet music (musical intelligence)
bullet self-reflection (intrapersonal intelligence)
bullet a physical experience (bodily-kinesthetic intelligence)
bullet a social experience (interpersonal intelligence), and/or
bullet an experience in the natural world. (naturalist intelligence)