Topic 2: General Particular

Questions: Read the three questions and the model answer below. Which question does it answer best?

Question 1: Use examples to evaluate Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences.

Question 2: Describe, with examples, Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences.

Question 3: Outline the main ideas in Howard Gardner's theory of 'multiple intelligences'.

Answer:

In our culture people who are not particularly successful at school are regarded by themselves and others as stupid or lacking in intelligence. However, such people are often more successful in life than their clever school-fellows. Einstein, for example, was a duffer at school. Therefore, it is perhaps worth examining what we mean by "intelligence".

Professor Howard Gardner, the psychologist, has put forward a theory of "multiple intelligences". They are eight in number and they are all important for a rich full life.

However, only two receive recognition in our academic system. The first is linguistic intelligence or the ability to express oneself in language - for example, the ability to write essays and answer examination questions. The second is logical-mathematical intelligence. This means the ability to analyse problems logically and to do mathematical operations such as algebra, geometry, calculus. These are the intelligences which purport to be tested by IQ tests - academically discredited, but still widely used.

Professor Gardner argues that this limited definition of intelligence restricts our concept of what human beings can do. For instance, he identifies one which is undervalued in our education system, namely "interpersonal intelligence", that is the ability to work effectively with others. Most professions now demand, not only expertise in the skills of their subject, but an ability to work as part of a team. This is particularly true in the medical profession, for instance.

Bodily-kinaesthetic intelligence is the ability in which such athletes as Pele and Beckham are exceptionally gifted - that is the sense of how to move all or part of their bodies fast and effectively.

A further intelligence is musical intelligence. People who are gifted musically can remember tunes, improvise harmonies and rhythms, and have a facility for learning to play musical instruments.

Spatial intelligence is the ability to recognise and manipulate patterns in space. This is important, not only in, for instance, the graphic arts, but also in such mundane tasks as learning to drive.

Intra-personal intelligence is one which most people are unaware of - the ability to understand oneself and use that understanding to regulate one's life effectively. For instance, people who have developed this kind of intelligence recognise when they are ill and take steps to prevent serious physical and mental illness developing.

An intelligence which is critical to our survival is an awareness of the natural world, for example to be in harmony with the seasons.

Professor Gardner's theory makes the limited definition of intelligence seem old-fashioned and damaging. It has huge implications for our attitude to education.