Multiple Intelligence, Chapter 1

Abstract:
Howard Gardner formed multiple intelligence theory due to his belief that the definition of “intelligence”, as set forth by Alfred Binet, was too narrow. The basic idea of the theory is that there are eight different intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, music, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist. It is believed that every person possesses all eight of the intelligences but excels in one of them but are able to develop their weaker ones to proficiency. The chapter also discusses how the intelligences work together in a complex way to do almost all everyday tasks, and there are multiple ways to be “intelligent” in all of the categories.

Reflection:
Leigh believes that her musical and naturalist intelligences aren’t as evolved as the other six. To her this proves that everyone has all the intelligences, whether or not they are all developed to the fullest extent. John believes that he is much more of a logical/mathematical learner because of his interest in the sciences, yet his MI test showed him to be a musical and bodily-kinesthetic learner, which he doesn’t feel most accurately describes him. Christine found it interesting that she only exhibited proficiency in three of the intelligences according to the test, and that visual-spatial learning made up 80% of her pie chart. To her this was very accurate due to her tendency to be a right brain thinker. Meredith, an interpersonal learner, believes that through reading the chapter she is now more aware of the different needs of students and therefore will be able to better utilize the different ways of teaching.