Multiple Intelligences Theory
June 27, 2008 – 2:07 pm
Multiple intelligences theory was developed by a Harvard University professor, Howard Gardner in 1983. It is an educational approach claiming that there are different types of intelligence. Gardner claims that every persona is born with these different types of intelligence, if s/he studies for every field, every type of intelligence can be developed; however a person can focus on only a type, or some types and other types can fade away. Briefly, intelligence can be shaped with effort; a person can be master of a specific field, if s/he focuses on it. According to Gardner, there are eight intelligence types, and currently a new type, existential intelligence is argued. Categories of intelligence and features of them will be mentioned above.
Factors Affecting Intelligence Types
Biologic and cultural factors are the major points that affect intelligence types.
- Opportunities: Especially economical factors are effective, for instance if a poor child wants to be a violinist, the child may have difficulty as money will be a problem.
- Historical and Cultural Elements: Historical and cultural background and environment inevitably affect the persona.
- Family: The desire of family may lead the child’s intelligence.
- Geographical Factors: City life or country life are also effective. Different environment, circumstances have impact on the intelligence.
- Sociality: Being social or not, having interest in different fields give the opportunity to develop different intelligence types.
Multiple Intelligence Categories
Verbal – Linguistic: A person who has developed verbal – linguistic intelligence is good at languages, grammar, forms, writing and speaking is easy for the person. The mind is strong, dates, names are remembered easily.
Logical – Mathematical: Having dominant logical and mathematical intelligence means solving problems easily, having analytical mind, searching for reason and result relationship, solving puzzles, having interest in science.
Bodily – Kinesthetic: Balance, power, speed are the key features. People from this category are interested in sport activities, use body language well.
Musical: Musical intelligence describes the ability of rhythm, music, both making them and being aware of them. With a dominant musical intelligence, a person may be a good singer, composer or a good listener.
Interpersonal: This category is about the relationship with other people. Having developed interpersonal intelligence means having good relationships with people, understanding the feelings, thoughts of others, having the skill to empathize.
Intrapersonal: People having intrapersonal intelligence are fond of themselves, they are happy alone and sure that they will do anything by themselves.
Naturalistic: This category identifies the people who love nature, natural events; they prefer to live in nature.
Spatial: Vision is very important; art and painting are main areas of this category. People having spatial mind are good at art, painting, photography etc.