Overview of Dr Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences
In 1983 Dr. Howard Gardner, a Harvard Psychologist, developed the theory of multiple intelligences. His theory expanded the limits of the traditional I.Q. tests, so as to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults. The theory includes 9 different intelligences; verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, bodily kinesthetic, musical-rhythmic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and existential.
Dr. Gardner formulated this theory some eighty years after the first intelligence tests were created. Gardner viewed these traditional tests as “too narrow,” stating “that intelligence has more to do with the capacity for (1) solving problems and (2) fashioning products in a context-rich and naturalistic setting.” He felt that it was unrealistic to consider that one’s intelligence could be determined by removing a person from their natural environment and insisting that they perform solitary tasks that they would never encounter or choose to encounter in their natural life. With this in mind, Gardner created his theory to evaluate and assert intelligences that people invoke in their everyday lives.
An important thing to understand is that Gardner’s theory does not put anyone in a “box”; it allows people to see how they shine in many directions, and helps to highlight those intelligences that are more dominant. His theory allows you to double dip, and find your strengths in more than one area.
Linguistic Intelligence: “the capacity to use language to express what's on your mind and to understand other people” (Great). This intelligence involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. “This intelligence includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically; and language as a means to remember information” (Howard). Writers, poets, lawyers and speakers are among those that Howard Gardner sees
Dr. Gardner formulated this theory some eighty years after the first intelligence tests were created. Gardner viewed these traditional tests as “too narrow,” stating “that intelligence has more to do with the capacity for (1) solving problems and (2) fashioning products in a context-rich and naturalistic setting.” He felt that it was unrealistic to consider that one’s intelligence could be determined by removing a person from their natural environment and insisting that they perform solitary tasks that they would never encounter or choose to encounter in their natural life. With this in mind, Gardner created his theory to evaluate and assert intelligences that people invoke in their everyday lives.
An important thing to understand is that Gardner’s theory does not put anyone in a “box”; it allows people to see how they shine in many directions, and helps to highlight those intelligences that are more dominant. His theory allows you to double dip, and find your strengths in more than one area.
Linguistic Intelligence: “the capacity to use language to express what's on your mind and to understand other people” (Great). This intelligence involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. “This intelligence includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically; and language as a means to remember information” (Howard). Writers, poets, lawyers and speakers are among those that Howard Gardner sees