Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and cognitive development

Multiple Intelligences

The theory of multiple intelligences (MI) was advanced by Dr. Howard Gardner, an education professor who coordinated a projects dubbed project Zero at Harvard University. In his theory he presented a challenge to the common notion that the issue of intelligence is a single entity that is possessed by every person to a various degrees. By means of credible sources and research evidence, Dr. Gardner presented his theory on the existence of multiple intelligences. The multiple intelligences are therefore as a result of cognitive profiles that are unique for each and every person. This discovery has therefore presented an important factor that can effectively. The idea of multiple intelligences has therefore been explored by various researchers and educators.

The theory

According to the multiple intelligences theory, the description of the human cognitive competence is best if certain parameters such as unique ability sets, mental capability (intelligences) as well as talent are considered. A normal person possess all the above mentioned factors but to varying degrees. The other factors that differ per person is the degrees of these skills as well as the way in which they are combined. This therefore led Dr. Gardner to conclude that such a theory is paramount in the development of curriculum (Kumbar, 2006). It should be noted that despite the fact that there are empirical evidence which backs the MI theory, there is a general lack of knowledge on the application of the theory in the field of psychology. The relevance of the theory to the various educational fields is however still being experimented. As pointed out by Gardner, it is important to ensure that the theory of multiple intelligence be exposed to repeated revisions with a consideration of the real classroom experience. It is worth pointing out that the status quo scenario currently neglects both talents and intelligence.

It must also be pointed out that the individuals who possess these talents are more often than note victims of single mindedness.

In order to come up with a proper evaluation on the effectiveness of multiple intelligences, it is important to ensure that we clearly understand all the factors that fuel the use and application of the theory of multiple intelligence as pointed out by Dr. Gardner. He introduced the theory that points out that there exists a total of seven forms of intelligence in the human race.These intelligences are logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, linguistic interpersonal, bodily-kinesthetic as well as interpersonal intelligence (Gardner,1983).It is important to point out that these intelligences exists in vcarrying degress in every person abd integral cognitive entry points that are necessary for the translation of an individual's experience that would then be used to form their understanding. It is a fact that people often tend to give preference to certain intelligences and thus use that form of intelligence in the process of learning. Therefore, cognitive intelligence becomes their most preferred form of learning.

As Gardner (1993) point out "Owing to heredity, early training, or, in all probability a constant interaction between these factors, some individuals will develop certain intelligences far more than others; but every normal individual should develop each intelligence to some extent, given but a modest opportunity to do so ."

Linguistic intelligence

This form of intelligence has been proven to be effective in the improvement of the education systems across various centers of learning. It is however defined by specialized and very well developed writing, auditory and reading skills as pointed out by Teele (2000). This form of intelligence can effectively be harnessed to aid learners who have a preference for listening as well as reading skills in the process of acquiring their various cognitive llearning.These learners have also been found to enjoy a lot of rhetoric discussions.

This type of leaning can effectively be utilized in the process of teaching technical communication. This is because the teaching of subjects such as English relies to a very large extent on the good use of words as well as the ability of the students to use and understand the words. The various language departments such as English department rely heavily on the ability of the students to understand linguistics as well, as the grammar in the process of defining the language

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

This type of intelligence is manifested in learners who have a high sensitivity to various mathematical patterns as well as the regularities that exists within the mathematical patterns. This type of intelligence is made up of an individual' ability to effectively analyze a problem in a logical manner by means of various, mathematical operations as well as the knack to use science in solving of issues. This typoe of intelligence can effectively be used in the development of curricula to support scientific as well as mathematical subjects/programs.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence

This type of intelligence is involved in an individual when they can use parts of their body or their body as a whole in the process of solving an otherwise complex problem. It can be used effectively in the training of physical education classes as well as the training of athletes. It involves the use of an individual's mental ability to coordinate their bodily movements as well as functions.

Spatial intelligence

This form of intelligence is important to educators or rather in the field of education in the process of teaching students on how to recognize as well as utilize various patterns in areas that are restrictive, confined as well as wide spaced environments

Interpersonal intelligence

This type of intelligence is concerned with the ability to comprehend various intentions as well as motivations and the personal desire of others. It is important for eduacators as well as other professionals in the field of religion as well as politics to possess very highly developed interpersonal intelligence. The reasoning behind this intelligence lies on an individual's ability to connect with others.

Intrapersonal intelligence

This form of intelligence involves the ability of an individual to effectively understand them. This coupled with the ability to fathom their own feelings is important in order to come up with a perfect working model for their own progress and persona development. This is crucial for the process of regulation one's own personal life.

Relevance in education

Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence is never accepted readily in the domain of academic psychology. There have been however, several positive responses to the theory from a cross section of educators. It has therefore received considerable amount of embrace from various educational theorists.

Several North American schools have been able to effectively consider an integration of the MI theory into their curricula (Smith,2008). The MI theory has also been effectively been utilized in various higher, adult, pre-school as well as adult education programs.

The various responses that the MI theory has attracted can be parallel by the application of Kolb's model of experimental leaning among informal and adult educators (Smith, 2008).This is however amid a myriad of criticisms on the basis of the formations of the theory. The MI theory has been successfully been used in formulating important question sets as well as definitive rules to guide and aid the educators in the process of streamlining their practice. It is however important to point out the fact that the method and degree of adoption of the Howards MI theory is varied in the formation of various policies as well as in actual practice. The application of the theory to various schooling practices has therefore been effectively investigated. The adoption of the MI theory to education has been uniquely framed in the following approach:

A broader view of education

The seven aspects of intelligence are important for an individual to have a good life. It is therefore important for educators to include aspects of all the forms of intelligence when dispensing knowledge to their student. This is in opposition to the use of the first two forms of intelligences that they have traditionally placed their focus on. Kornhaber (2001) clearly noted that the process of applying MI theory to education must involve the application of the theory by educators in an approach he referred to as 'for depth over breadth' technique. This involves the application of acquired knowledge in another setting.

The use of these principles are based on the notion of allowing individuals to be encouraged to make use of their preferred intelligence in the process of learning.These other principle that must be applied in the MI theory's application to the educational sector is the framing of the educational activities to appeal to the various forms of intelligence. The third point that should be adopted in order to successfully implement the MI theory to the educational sector is the assessment of the outcome of learning processes in terms of a measure of various forms of intelligence.