Multiple intelligence
Howard Gardner and Multiple Intelligence: The theory of Multiple Intelligence, which is popularly known as MI theory, was first brought out in 1983 in a book called Frames of Mind. Howard Gardner, who was a professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education, is considered the father of this theory. It is a psychological and educational hypothesis that explicates the 8 types of intelligence that exists in humans. These intelligences are as follows:
1. Linguistic Intelligence
2. Logical Intelligence
3. Spatial Intelligence
4. Bodily Intelligence
5. Musical Intelligence
6. Interpersonal Intelligence
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence
8. Natural Intelligence
According to Dr. Howard Gardner, the reinforcement of natural gifts or intelligences is essential in school. He says that the various intelligence levels in different people shape their profile for their success in life or career. Gardner’s theory argues that a child that masters a specific task does not necessarily mean that he or she is more intelligent than one who struggles to do so. He studied test cases of people with brain damage, and their learning ability, in relation to their mental capability.
He analyzed the areas of the brain related to the 7 original intelligences, and in 1999, he added the 8th type, which he called Natural Intelligence. Many people have criticized Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligence as an assumption based on intuition, and not on facts. In the 23 years since it has been in existence, it has been refined considerably. All the same, despite the criticism, the theory has enjoyed a great success all over the world.
Multiple Intelligence Tests: The Multiple Intelligence theory suggests tests that can be conducted according to the research done by Dr. Gardner. The MI theory has had a major impact on the practice and thinking in education, in the US. Several Multiple Intelligence tests are now available online. There are different sets of student tests and adult tests, and they generally contain a series of objective questions. These online tests also suggest various learning methods to adopt to be able to score well in them. One can instantly get the results on finishing the test.
Theory of Multiple Intelligence: The theory of multiple intelligence opines that the teaching methods adopted in schools should be completely transformed. It also has strong implications for adult learning and development, by giving them an entirely different view of their life. This is done, by focusing on their unused potential, which they had displayed in their childhood. When asked to perform a certain task, most people find the most habitual way to do it. This is where the multiple intelligence theory comes into play. It expands the horizon of conventional learning methods and techniques. This is why it is fun and enlightening.
The Multiple Intelligence lesson plan: Various MI lesson plans are available on the Internet. You could download the most suitable lesson plan to get an overview. Additionally, some Institutes conduct lessons, which prepare you for the MI test. You could consider the number of resources, and accordingly try to figure out an inventory, if any. While planning a Multiple Intelligence lesson plan, you can conduct a survey, and select the simplest activity first. The theory has gone a long way in helping teachers and educationists to retrospect their work, by looking at the new teaching options in their respective fields.
Many people vouch for the Multiple Intelligence theory for various reasons. Some feel that it helps their children become smarter, which would lead to a change in the world. The most important contribution that the Multiple Intelligence theory has made is changing people’s mindset about education and intelligence.
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