E34: More Than One Kind of Smart

In this episode, we discuss Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Sometimes we talk as though intelligence is a singular concept that has a scale and we all sit at different spots on that scale. Yet we see all around us adults and children who are very smart in math but not at all good with words, musically gifted but klutzy on the athletic field and so on. Most of us, in fact, struggle with some tasks and sail through others. 

Although all children have the same basic needs, their learning needs are more complex and individualized. Just because all the children are well fed and loved, does not mean that they will excel while sitting at a desk and filling out worksheets. Not all children will express aptitude in this way.  In fact, Howard Gardner proposed seven different categories of intelligence in his 1983 book “Frames of Mind(Helding, 2009).  In his Theory of  Multiple Intelligences, Gardner originally identified the following: musical, intrapersonal, interpersonal, spatial, logical-mathematical, linguistic, and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. It is undeniable that individuals have different strengths and abilities. 

We break down each intelligence and talk about how to grow them and support that growth in the children with whom you work. We sometimes forget that each child is valuable as we get swallowed up in the belly of academic pressures. However, ALL children benefit from information being presented in multiple ways.

What intelligences stood out to you? What would you like to strengthen? Pick a child you struggle with and write down their strengths! Don't forget to follow us on social media and share your thoughts with us!


References and Resources:

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED508485.pdf

https://web.cortland.edu/andersmd/learning/mi%20table.htm#:~:text=Existential%20Intelligence,how%20did%20we%20get%20here

https://thesystemsthinker.com/spiritual-intelligence-a-new-paradigm-for-collaborative-action/#:~:text=Spiritual%20intelligence%20is%20an%20ability,richer%20and%20more%20creative%20lives.

https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences.shtml

https://www.simplypsychology.org/multiple-intelligences.html#:~:text=Multiple%20intelligences%20theory%20states%20that,they%20are%20the%20most%20intelligent.

Gardner, H. (2011). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York, NY: Basic Books.

Helding, L. (2009). Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Journal of Singing, 66(2), 193. Retrieved from https://byui.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search-ebscohost-com.byui.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edo&AN=45032733&site=eds-live