Group+6


 * __Multiple Intelligence Theory:__ **



= = The theory of multiple intelligences states that intelligence is not an individual unit but rather a mesh of independent intelligences that each have its own strengths and weaknesses. Gardner states that these eight intelligences are linguistic, logic-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, naturalist, interpersonal and intrapersonal.

Howard Gardner, born on July 11, 1943, grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania after his Jewish parents fled from Germany with his brother. His brother died in a sledding accident a few months before Gardner was born. His brother's death made an impact on his life as his parents encouraged him to pursue his artistic and musical talents. As a child he loved reading and music and eventually became a piano teacher. In September 1961, Gardner began taking classes at Harvard College. His studies focused on history, sociology, and psychology but also took a variety of other classes.

"Gardner is best known, and properly so, for his capacities as a synthesizer of vast amount of research and theory...With the publication of Frames of Mind in 1983 Gardner began to put forth his own views about the mind. This work introduces the claim that standard views of intelligence are flawed and that human beings are better described as possessing 8 or more relatively autonomous intellectual capacities, termed the multiple intelligences, This work quickly became well known and much discussed and, not surprisingly, Gardner became a far more controversial figure."

Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence was conceived of as a contribution to psychology but its greatest influence has been in education. First in the United States, and then in many other parts of the world, educators have drawn inspiration from his theory and have created a plethora of applications in the areas of curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. Many programs and schools have adopted the phrase "multiple intelligences" and hundreds of books, articles, films, and other adaptations have been created, many with neither Gardner's knowledge nor approval. Spurred in part by this great interest in the educational implications of his work, Gardner has undertaken several projects in education (see pzweb.harvard.edu and his books Multiple Intelligences (1993) and Intelligence Reframed (1999). He has stressed that neither multiple intelligences theory nor any other scientific innovation can be applied directly in the classroom; educational practice is always a reflection of goals and values, which should be explicit as possible."

Originally, it was believed that humans could learn anything they were taught, as long as it was taught to them in an appropriate way. Howard Gardner challenged this theory and purposed an idea that rather than humans being able to learn anything they desired, they are born with an innate intelligence in which they can only learn certain things in certain ways. He believed this intelligence was not limited to one form, rather that there are several different types of intelligences. 

Gardner originally proposed seven different theories of intelligence in 1983 but since then has added to his list of intelligences. The original seven intelligences he proposed included linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal and intrapersonal. All of which are constructed of very different means of thinking. Psychologists did not accept this theory at first, however, in recent years, educators have turned to this philosophy to help understand how to teach students who learn differently. By teachers understanding that all students learn differently, they are able to structure their classroom in such a way as to benefit each student individually. This would not be possible without Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory.

"Howard Gardner is the John H. and Elisabeth A.Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He also holds positions as Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and Senior Director of Harvard Project Zero."

Gardeners's mulitple intelligence theory can be used to teach direct instruction as well as constructivist instruction. Teachers can base their direct instruction on their students different learing styles. For an example, teachers can begin their class lesson with a song to target students who have musical and rythmic intelligence. Students can also participate in activities with their peers that concentrate on the use of mulitple intelligence without the teacher teaching directly.

__**Benefits:**__
 * The multiple intelligence theory prepares students for the real world and provides learning based on the student's needs and abilities.
 * Students show students who test poorly are turned on to learning when it involves artistic, athletic, and musical activities.
 * Students can share their strengths which gives students motivation and can lead to increased self-esteem.

__**Weaknesses:**__
 * E.D. Hirsh Jr. say that with multiple intelligence theory does not encourage teachers to teach core knowledge or basic facts that we should know.
 * Some wonder if there will be more "intelligences" and it could be impossible to come up with a definite list of intelligences. They also say that some of the intelligences such as musical is more of a talent rather than an intelligence.
 * Multiple intelligence theory states that a person's culture plays a role in their intelligence. Some say that a person's intelligence is seen when they are given an unfamiliar task in an unfamiliar environment.
 * With so many intelligences, it is hard to compare and contrast student's abilities and skills


 * __Explanation of Multiple Intelligence and Ways to Incorporate Technology__**:

1. Verbal and Linguistic Intelligence: Students with verbal and linguistic intelligence learn best through speaking, writing, listening, and reading activities. One way technology can be incorporated is by allowing students to answer class questions through blogs and wikispaces.

2. Logical and Mathematical Intelligence: Students with logical and mathematical intelligence learn best through using numbers, problem solving, and reasoning. Students can use technology by creating spreadsheets using numerical data.

3. Visual and Spatial Intelligence: Students learn better through visuals and they organize their thoughts spatially. Allowing students to create oral history projects or time lines by using technology such as [|Tom Snyders Timeline tool].

4. Bodily and Kinesthetic Intelligence: Students learn better through physical movement such as dance and hands on activities.Allowing students to put on video productions with skits and plays can help students use their bodily and kinesthetic intelligence.

5. Musical and Rhythmic Intelligence: Students with musical and rhythmic intelligence learn best through sounds including listening and making sounds through songs, rhythms, and patterns. An example of using musical and rhythmic intelligence include allowing students to include music and other sound in their PowerPoint presentations.

6. Intrapersonal Intelligence: Students learn better through activities that allow them to get in touch with their feelings and motivation. Allowing students to use Microsoft Word or blogs to type journal entries is a good way to use intrapersonal intelligence.

7. Interpersonal Intelligence: Students learn better through interaction with other people through collaboration and discussions. Having students do peer writing and editing on the computer allow students to exercise their interpersonal skills.

8. Naturalist Intelligence: Students learn better through the environment including outdoor activities and field trips. One activity students can participate in is taking digital cameras with them during a nature walk in science class.

9. Existentialist Intelligence: Students learn best through philosophical activities. Students can practice using their existentialist intelligence by participating in online chats and blogs about worldly questions they may have.


 * Note: All examples can be modified to meet the teacher's/student's needs. Be remember to be creative and to teach and scaffold the student(s) when using technology. DO NOT simply tell them to use a blog without first SHOWING them how to do it and practicing with it. Knowing your students and what they can handle is one of the most important jobs of a teacher - one size does NOT fit all.**

**__Examples of Multiple Intelligences by Homer and Marge Simpson__**

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​ [|Found on YouTube]

__**TEST YOURSELF:**__ []

Works Cited: [|Howard Gardner Bio] [|Howard Gardner Bio By Winner] [] [] [|http://eduscapes.com] []

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