Howard Gardners Theory of Multiple Inteligences Howard Earl Gardner In the heyday (blossom) of the psychometric and behaviorist

eras, it was generally believed that intelligence was a single entity that was inherited and that human beings could be trained to learn anything, provided that it was presented in an appropriate way. Nowadays an increasing number of researchers believe precisely the opposite that there exists a multitude of intelligences, quite independent of each other. Howard Gardner has questioned the idea that intelligence is a single entity, that it results from a single factor, and that it can be measured simply via IQ tests. He has also challenged the cognitive development work of Piaget. Bringing forward evidence to show that at any one time a child may be at very different stages for example, in number development and spatial/visual maturation, Howard Gardner has successfully undermined the idea that knowledge at any one particular developmental stage hangs together in a structured whole. Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory was first published in Howard Gardner's book, Frames Of Mind (1983), and quickly became established as a classical model by which to understand and teach many aspects of human intelligence, learning style, personality and behaviour - in education and industry. Howard Gardner initially developed his ideas and theory on multiple intelligences as a contribution to psychology, however Gardner's theory was soon embraced by education, teaching and training communities, for whom the appeal was immediate and irresistible - a sure sign that Gardner had created a classic reference work and learning model. Howard Gardner viewed intelligence as the ability to solve problems, or to create products, that are valued within one or more cultural settings. He initially formulated a list of seven intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial/visual, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Since Howard Gardner's original listing of the intelligences in Frames of Mind (1983) there has been a great deal of discussion as to other possible candidates for inclusion. Subsequent research and reflection by Howard Gardner and his colleagues has looked to other particular possibilities and finally three more were added: naturalistic, moral and spiritual/existential intelligence. Gardner claimed that the all intelligences rarely operate independently. They are used at the same time and tend to complement each other as people develop skills or solve problems. Linguistic intelligence enables individuals to read, write and speak well. Logical-mathematical intelligence encompasses logical thinking (as might be used in chess or deductive reasoning, for example) as well as mathematical and scientific problem-solving. Spatial intelligence makes its appearance when an individual navigates an unfamiliar set of streets, or when an architect visualizes her plans for a building. Musical intelligence generates the set of skills that allow musicians to play a tune by ear, or to execute a phrase with sensitivity and grace.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is necessary for problem-solving that requires the individual to use his or her physical body, as would be necessary for performing a complex surgical procedure, executing a series of dance steps or catching a fly ball. Interpersonal intelligence drives social skills and things like empathy and intuition about what motivates other people-a type of understanding that is necessary for salespersons, teachers and clergy, for example. Intrapersonal intelligence involves a similar set of abilities, but these are turned toward the self; individuals who have high intrapersonal intelligence have an accurate self-understanding, and can use this to their advantage in problem-solving. The Naturalist intelligence has to do with how we relate to our surroundings and where we fit into it. People with Naturalist intelligence have a sensitivity to and appreciation for nature. They are gifted at nurturing (feeding) and growing things as well as the ability to care for and interact with animals. They can easily distinguish patterns in nature.