Multiple Intelligence Theory In Education

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ABSTRACT Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory created the idea of eight intelligences defining a person’s whole intelligence. Each intelligence describes a different strength in learning. Gardner’s theorized that a person’s intelligence is a combination of Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Musical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal and Naturalistic. Although combinations of these different intelligences occur, usually one is prevalent over others. The integration of this theory into practice has been controversial, mostly due to confusion as the proper method to accommodate different learning styles. The importance of individualism is now being lauded above standard ideas of intelligence in Linguistic and Logical-Mathematical. An increased understanding of incorporating Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory will not only benefit students as individuals but also teachers. Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory: Integration and Criticisms In an autobiography, Howard Gardner describes himself in the terms of his Multiple Intelligence Theory: I am quite adequate in logical-mathematic pursuits, much less skilled in spatial or bodily-kinesthetic endeavors. I have considerable curiosity about the world of other persons, although that curiosity typically involves a certain distance from the more emotional aspects of human life…As for intrapersonal intelligence, the understanding of oneself-well, that is up to the reader to judge. (para. 19) Since Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences was first widely read and accepted by the educational and psychological fields, scholars have questioned the theory’s ability to be integrated effectively into classroom settings; many criticisms concern the inability to effectively educate different intelligences in the same setting. Many educators are concerned about teachers’

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