Howard Gardner: The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences

Introduction
Howard Gardner was born on July 11, 1943 in Scranton, Pennsylvania and is still alive to this date. He completed his post-secondary education at Harvard, earning his undergraduate degree in 1965 and his Ph. D. in 1971. Gardner is a developmental psychologist who was inspired by the works of Jean Piaget. He is best known for his theory of multiple intelligences. Gardner believed the concept of intelligence was to narrows and didn’t encompass all types of intelligences. He worked with normal and gifted children and brain-damaged adults. He then began to create a theory designed to synthesize his observations. In 1983, he published Frames of Mind, which outlined the theory he is best known for, the Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

According to this theory, Gardner believed people have multiple different ways of thinking and learning. He has identified and described nine different kinds of intelligence. The first is visual-spatial intelligence, which is the enjoyment of and facility with images, drawing, construction games and tactile puzzles. The second is linguistic-verbal intelligence, which involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. The third is mathematical intelligence, which consists of the capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues scientifically. The fourth is kinesthetic learning, which is the enjoyment of and facility with activities that involve touch and movement, dance, sport and other practical activities. The fifth is musical intelligence, which involves skill in the performance, composition, and appreciation of musical patterns. The sixth is interpersonal intelligence, which is concerned with the capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people. The seventh is intrapersonal intelligence, which entails the capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one’s feelings, fears and motivations. The eight is naturalistic intelligence, which is the enjoyment of and facility with the natural world, with ability in recognizing patterns and classification. The ninth is existential intelligence, which is the enjoyment of and facility with asking and examining questions about life, death and ultimate