Howard Gardner : the myth of Multiple Intelligences

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Howard Gardner : the myth of Multiple Intelligences

John White

Introduction

In this paper I examine Howard Gardner’s idea that there are multiple intelligences
(MI theory). MI theory identifies some eight or nine types of intelligence: not only the
logico-mathematical and linguistic kinds measured by IQ, but, also musical, spatial,
bodily-kinaesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, to which have now been added
naturalist and possibly existential intelligences. My question will be: is there good
evidence that these intelligences exist? Or are they a myth?

MI theory is all the rage in school reform across the world. much of its history. I heard
recently that the Canadian province of Quebec has introduced the idea into all its
secondary schools. In Britain many schools are using MI as a basis for a more flexible
type of teaching and learning, which acknowledges that children have different
preferred „learning styles’. Not everyone learns best through traditional methods
which draw heavily on linguistic and logical skills. So room is made for children who
can bring to bear on their learning their ability in music, say, or their kinaesthetic
abilities. In history, for example, pupils’ work on the Treaty of Versailles might
include a conventional essay for the linguistic children and a rap presentation of the
treaty for the musical ones. In many schools children are given questionnaires to
profile their intelligences. Some schools give their pupils smart cards - the size of
credit cards - inscribed with their preferred intelligences.

And MI does appear to deliver the goods in terms of inclusion and raising self-esteem.
Pupils who used to think themselves dim can blossom when they find out how bright
they are making music or interacting with people. Kinaesthetic learners can now see
themselves as „body smart’. The idea that intelligence is not necessarily tied to IQ has
been a liberating force.

The educational world, including government agencies as well as schools, has gone
for MI in a big way. But for the most part it seems to have taken over the ideas

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