The article ‘Multiple Intelligences’ at 25, discusses Gardner’s belief that people have “multiple intelligences†that a one-size-fits-all test cannot measure. He also refutes the notion that intelligence is predominately inherited.
Gardner lists eight intelligences: musical, kinesthetic, logical/mathematical, spatial, linguistic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist. He maintains that these intelligences are defined by skills and how people learn and use these skills.
I have written about the various methods of learning and certainly agree that people absorb information in different ways. These differences are commonly referred to as being visual, kinesthetic and auditory. Acknowledging these distinctions in the classroom is an essential part of ensuring that each child receives an individualized, and therefore more effective, education. Incorporating varying learning methods into teaching will further student success.
My series of books for college students, KEYS TO SUCCESS, features an assessment and cross-disciplinary connections based on multiple intelligences in each chapter. For more information go to www.carterkeys.com.
Additional Questions to Consider:
- How can educators address both individual learning styles and the group needs of a class?
- What are some formats, aside from standardized tests, that can be utilized to assess students’ individualized knowledge?
- How can teachers teach to different intelligences in their classrooms?
- How can parents understand students’ intelligences so that they can help their child learn better?
- How can students pursue careers and field that are aligned with their intelligences?
