Multiple Intelligences Theory

509 Words3 Pages
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences and their use in classroom teaching Howard Gardner was born in Scranton, in 1943. He came from a family of refugees from Germany. In his childhood he was a keen reader and cherished music as he afterward became a talented pianist. After finishing school he joined Harvard University and was thrilled for having the chance to study there. He began his studies in History but ultimately decided to pursue Cognitive Developmental Psychology studies. In 1983 he materialized the theory of Multiple Intelligences for which he is well-known. Gardner suggests that cultural and biological sources are the foundation in multiple intelligences. Major fundamentals of distinct styles of learning are evident in particular parts of the brain where equivalent alterations have taken place. Therefore, many types of learning produce different connections in specific parts of the brain. Besides biology, Gardner maintains that culture plays a great role in multiple intelligences. Each society places a different value upon each type of intelligence. This cultural value that examines the capacity of carrying out particular jobs, offers the incentive to become skilful in the execution of these tasks. As a result, specific intelligences might be culture specific. The application of Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences holds numerous difficulties for teachers in classroom teaching. The theory claims that all of the intelligences are necessary for efficient function within a society. Hence, teachers should take all seven intelligences into consideration and regard them as equally significant. This is very much contrary to conventional education methods where emphasis is placed on verbal as well as mathematical intelligences. Consequently, with Gardner’s theory, teachers are impelled to recognise and teach using a wider variety of talents and abilities.
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