The definition and application of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences

 

 

1. Introduction:

This article provides a concise analysis of Howard Gardner's various perspectives on the "Multiple Intelligence Theory" and how they relate to Accelerated Learning Strategies. The purpose of this piece is to educate readers about its practical value and explain why it has gained such traction among practising educators, particularly in the United States. In a sense, both the idea and its implementation are discussed at the same time. We imperfect humans are always doing the work of understanding, and that work determines whether our actions are good or bad (Howard Gardner, 1999). If this is the case, then the central idea behind all of his methods is that everyone, and especially children, should be taught "Accelerated Learning Techniques" to help them become better global citizens; this is knowledge that should not be conflated with morality. The goal of "Multiple Intelligence Theories" is to synthesise this type of self-understanding, which is the best knowledge for learning from one's own mistakes.

2.0 A summary of Gardner's intelligence types

One benefit of understanding Gardner's "Multiple Intelligence Theory"[1] is that it can help those interested in self-learning and who use "Accelerated Learning Techniques" to help their children develop into well-rounded adults. While Intelligences are inherently emotionless, it is worth noting that no value judgement such as joy or sorrow could be ascribed to them.

2.1 Intelligence in the Use of Language

Linguistic intelligence stems from a person's propensity for learning and their ability to apply that knowledge in their day-to-day lives and careers. Those born with or developing this talent use language to retain and repeat information effectively. These people are able to articulate concepts and interpret data through the written and spoken word, and they grasp the connection between expression and meaning.

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Talented writers excel in many fields, including the law, journalism, public speaking, education, editing, translation, public relations, media consulting, copywriting, and television anchoring. Poets are exemplary representatives of the superior tier of creative intelligence.

2.2 logical Intelligence 

People with this kind of intelligence tend to have a scientific temperament, a keen eye for patterns, an intuitive grasp of logic expressed in terms of cause and effect, the ability to perform complex mathematical calculations with ease, and a general propensity to seek proof in all the factors that govern the execution of actions. Those people would do well in fields like pure sciences, engineering, accounting, banking, and trading. These characteristics are also highly developed in great diplomats because of their utility in negotiations. In light of recent developments in computer technology, it is more crucial than ever to identify and nurture students with strong logical reasoning skills.

2.3 Intelligence based on physical experience (or kinesthetic intelligence)

Some people are said to have Kinaesthetic Intelligence because, metaphorically speaking, their brains function through their bodies to complete their tasks. They demonstrate their cognitive abilities by solving the problems in an agile and deft manner, using their hands and eyes. Sports, aesthetics, arts, and crafts—in short, anything that requires the application of one's body movements to achieve a goal—have been dominated by people with these abilities, and children would excel in these fields with the right guidance.

2.4 The Musical Intelligence

The ability to compose and perform musical pitches, tones, and rhythms has been found to run in tandem with linguistic intelligence. What sets these people apart from the rest is their heightened sensitivity to and appreciation of sound, rhythm, and the emotional connections between the two. The fields of musical composition and singing, acoustic engineering, voice coaching, environmental noise pollution, and the art of setting the appropriate mood with prerecorded music played over telephone systems all attract a special kind of person.

2.5 Interpersonal Intelligence

They are great at coordinating their efforts with those of others. They have a deep comprehension of human potential, as well as the goals, aspirations, and desires that motivate people, and they use this knowledge to help them to achieve their goals. Human Resources, Training and Development, Communications, Organizational Development, Education, Healthcare (especially in the areas of caring and counselling), Training and Development, Team Building, and Leadership in Organizations and Political Governance are all areas in which they excel..

2.6 Intrapersonal Intelligence

For an individual to have high levels of both types of intelligence, they must be able to understand themselves in order to reach their full potential in social situations. It's the process of creating your own personalised informational system rather than relying on external sources, and then using that system to systematically govern your daily activities. It's possible to draw parallels between this and Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the concept of self-actualization. Recently, it's been connected to EQ (Emotional Quotient). These people defy categorization when it comes to their fields of expertise because they are at the forefront of their respective fields. Self-awareness and the drive to improve oneself are two of the many skills indispensable to leaders. As a result, we need to view this in the context of personal growth, which includes career advancement.

2.7. Spatial Intelligence

Those with this ability recognise the significance of images, make use of spatial patterns, and can be categorised as creators of physical objects by virtue of their mental mapping skills. Arts, design, crafts, inventing, fashion (costume design included), architecture (landscape design, space planning), and consulting come easily to them.

3.0 Final Thoughts

This does not imply that people only have access to one type of intelligence, but rather that these descriptions serve to highlight the characteristics of the types of Multiple Intelligence. Every person possesses a unique blend of intelligences, and Howard Gardener has made a significant contribution by drawing attention to the preponderance of certain intelligences over others, thereby helping individuals become more self-aware and better able to develop and apply their full range of abilities. It was Gardener's opinion that this belonged in the realm of psychology, despite the fact that psychologists rarely used such information.