Multiple Intelligence Theory Essay

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Multiple Intelligence is an educational theory developed by psychologist Howard Gardner in 1983, that describes different kinds of "intelligences" people may have. It is suggested that everyone has a unique level of intelligence and we all have strengths and weaknesses. Gardner feels school should become more individualized to teach to students based on their strengths. Many educators incorporate ideas from Gardner’s Theory in their curriculum.

Multiple intelligence theory is the ways in which people demonstrate their knowledge or what they know. There are eight categories, visual/spatial intelligence, verbal/linguistic intelligence, logical/mathematical intelligence, bodily/kinesthetic intelligence, musical/rhythmic intelligence,

They try to see things from other people 's point of view in order to understand how they think and feel. They often have an uncanny ability to sense feelings, intentions and motivations. They are great organizers, although they sometimes resort to manipulation. Generally they try to maintain peace in group settings and encourage co-operation. They use both verbal (e.g. speaking) and non-verbal language (e.g. eye contact, body language) to open communication channels with others. Their skills include seeing things from other perspectives, listening, using empathy, understanding other people 's moods and feelings, counseling, co-operating with groups, noticing people 's moods, motivations and intentions, communicating both verbally and non-verbally, building trust, peaceful conflict resolution, establishing positive relations with other people. Possible career paths for this learners are counselor, salesperson, politician or business

The theory of multiple intelligences is so intriguing because it expands our horizon of available teaching or learning tools beyond the conventional linguistic and logical methods used in most schools such as lecture, textbooks, writing assignments and formulas (Armstrong Thomas, 2009). To get started, put the topic of whatever interested in teaching or learning about in the center of a blank sheet of paper, and draw eight straight lines or “spokes” radiating out from this topic. Label each line with a different intelligence. Then start brainstorming ideas for teaching or learning that topic and write down ideas next to each intelligence (this is a spatial-linguistic approach of brainstorming; you might want to do this in other ways as well, using a tape-recorder, having a group brainstorming