In 1983, American psychologist Howard Gardner revolutionized our understanding of intelligence by proposing a theory that identifies nine distinct types of intelligence. To illustrate Gardner’s theory, let’s consider a practical scenario: the council of Newtown’s decision to build a bridge over dangerous railroad tracks, despite opposition from some citizens resistant to change. The council hires a team of nine experts from Smarts to get the job done, each representing a different type of intelligence.
1. Visual-Spatial Intelligence Miss A Smart, with her keen sense of shapes and imagination developed from playing hide and seek and solving puzzles, is tasked with creating the plans, designs, and a prototype for the bridge.
2. Naturalistic Intelligence Mr. B Smart, who has had a passion for the environment since camping with his dad, ensures that the bridge minimizes environmental impact, focusing on how to integrate the structure harmoniously with nature.
3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence Mrs. C Smart, a lifelong nerd and chess master, handles the calculations, budget, resource allocation, and risk assessment, ensuring the project’s feasibility and safety.
4. Interpersonal Intelligence Mrs. D Smart, naturally adept at social interactions, arranges town meetings and convinces even the most outspoken opponents of the bridge’s benefits, leveraging her innate ability to connect with others.
5. Linguistic Intelligence Miss E Smart, who has a flair for writing and communication, crafts a compelling speech for the town hall meeting, using facts, emotions, and metaphors to persuade the audience.
6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence Mr. F Smart, the physically adept team member, leads the construction efforts, inspiring others with his energy and teaching balance skills during breaks by playing football with his team.
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence Madame X Smart, deeply attuned to emotions, motivates and supports the team through the project, resolving conflicts and maintaining morale by understanding and addressing the team’s emotional needs.
8. Musical Intelligence Mrs. Y Smart, who has been passionate about music since childhood, composes a song for the grand opening of the bridge, performing it with her band to celebrate the project’s completion.
9. Existential Intelligence P Smart, who excels at connecting ideas with personal stories, delivers a passionate speech about the bridge’s importance, resonating deeply with the citizens and uniting them in support of the project.
In 2016, Gardner suggested the potential addition of a tenth type: pedagogical intelligence or “teach smart,” emphasizing the ability to effectively teach and share knowledge.
Reflections on Gardner’s Theory
Gardner’s theory challenges traditional views that often rely solely on IQ as the measure of intelligence. It recognizes the diverse ways in which individuals can excel and contribute uniquely to society. The theory of multiple intelligences broadens our perspective, acknowledging that human capability extends beyond linguistic and logical-mathematical skills.
References
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books.
Gardner, H. (2016). Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and Practice. New York: Basic Books.
Armstrong, T. (2009). Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).
Lazear, D. (1992). Seven Ways of Teaching: The Artistry of Teaching with Multiple Intelligences. Palatine, IL: IRI/Skylight Publishing, Inc.
Smith, M. K. (2002). Howard Gardner and multiple intelligences. The Encyclopedia of Informal Education. Retrieved from infed.org.
Gardner, H. (1999). Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century. New York: Basic Books.