"We have this myth that the only way to learn something is to read it in a textbook or hear a lecture on it. And the only way to show that we've understood something is to take a short-answer test or maybe occasionally with an essay question thrown in. But that's nonsense. Everything can be taught in more than one way." – Howard Gardner
The theory of multiple intelligences was incredibly untraditional for its time. Typical intelligence theories of this period focused on the idea that each person has the same one type of intelligence. In an article he later wrote Gardner says “Because I was critical of current views of - intelligences within the discipline of psychology, I expected to stir controversy among my fellow psychologists. This expectation was not disappointed.” (Gardner, 1995, p.1) So it is easy to see that Gardner expected his theory to be considered outrageous. He goes on to say that he was pleasantly surprised at how it was so quickly accepted, particularly in the education sector (Gardner, 1995).
Other testing at the time focused on short answer tests (such as the I.Q test). However Gardner disagreed with this type of testing, thinking that it was too restricted a test as no two people think the same way (Gardner, n.d.). The diagram below shows the difference between these two intelligence theories; the typical of the time on the left, and Gardner’s on the right.
Gardner posited that there were 8 different kinds of intelligence that influenced how we all think and learn. Over time other people have come forward with suggestions of other types of intelligence. Including Gardner himself who has considered adding existential to the list of eight. He has yet to do so though, as “at this time Gardner feels that there isn't any neurological evidence of a separately functioning biological existential ability.” (Gardner, n.d.). These 8 types of thinking are sometimes worded differently, but all represent the same type of intelligence.
Breaking these intelligences further we can get more information on how these intelligences help us to learn and think best. It is important to remember that we don’t belong to just one of these intelligences as well, we could be two or even three of them, taking the test yourself is a good way to figure this out.
Linguistic: people who are linguistic have a knack for reading, writing, explaining ideas, and memory recall for written and oral information. “This intelligence includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically” (Smith, 2008, p.17). Gardner identified people of this intelligence to become: writers, lawyers, teachers, journalists, and speakers.
Logical-Mathematical: people who are of this intelligence are good at reasoning, thinking mathematically and logically to solve problems, and recognising patterns. Some careers for this intelligence are: scientist, mathematician, accountant, computer programmer, and engineer (About Education, 2015).
Visual-Spatial: Are good at using space and visualisation. They enjoy drawing, looking at images, solving puzzles, reading, writing, and have a nose for directions. Possible careers for people of this intelligence include: architect, artist, and engineer.
Bodily-Kinaesthetic: These people use their intelligence to solve problems using their bodies. But it isn’t simply physical, they also use their mind to control their body movements. They have excellent hand eye coordination, and learn a lot from touching. They are hands on. Gardner identified people of this intelligence to become: artist, builder, dancer, sculptor, and actor.
Musical: This intelligence uses sound, music, and rhythms to think in patterns. Those who are musical tend to enjoy singing and playing instruments, recognise and compose music, and are good at remembering songs and words. Gardner identified musical intelligence as having strong links to linguistic intelligence. Careers that link into this kind of intelligence are: musician, composer, teacher, singer, and conductor.
Interpersonal: People who have interpersonal intelligence are good at understanding and relating to those around them. They are skilled at identifying others emotions, motivations, and their strengths. They are able to communicate verbally and non-verbally with ease, try to see situations from a variety of perspectives, and enjoy developing positive relationships. People with this intelligence tend to have careers in: politician, sales representative, psychologist, counsellor, and philosopher.
Intrapersonal: People of this intelligence have a deep understanding of their own feelings, thoughts, motivations, and fears. They are able to reflect upon their lives, strengths, and relationships, they then analyse these. Gardner identified people of this intelligence to become: theorist, philosopher, writer, and theorist.
Naturalist: This intelligence includes people who are in tune with the environment around them. They like to explore and figure out the world around them through their exploration. They enjoy have a connection to nature, and are therefore outdoors people. Possible careers: farmer, agriculturalist, and biologist.