Multiple intelligences

Multiple intelligences (M.I.)is a theory developed by Dr. Howard Gardner, a professor of education at Harvard University. Dr. Gardner's 8 M.I.'s are:

Linguistic intelligence ("word smart")

Spatial intelligence ("picture smart")

Musical intelligence ("music smart")

Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart")

Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart")

Our schools and culture seems to focus too much attention on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. People tend to give too much credit to the articulate or logical people and children believing that these qualities are the only way to get ahead in today's world. Placing equal attention on individuals showing talent in the other intelligences is what Dr. Gardner's theory is all about.

Many children who are very talented in other areas of Multiple Intelligences do not receive the recognition for these gifts in school. Many of these children, end up being labeled "learning disabled," "ADD (attention deficit disorder," or simply underachievers, because their unique ways of thinking and learning aren’t addressed by a classroom which is mainly focused on linguistic or logical-mathematical styles of learning. Many of these children grow up believing they are inadequate, and many of these children grow up with a low sense of self esteem and self worth.

A major change is taking place in the way our schools are run. With inclusion we are seeing more Education Assistants in our schools, and currently these Education assistants are required to be qualified. The good news is that most Education Assistants are being trained to present lessons in a wide variety of ways. The bad news is most teachers are being given very little training when it really is the teachers running the classrooms.It is the teachers who would be able to present their lessons in a wide variety of ways using music, cooperative learning, art activities, role play, multimedia, field trips, inner reflection, and much more.The good news is that this theory of multiple intelligences is beginning to grab the attention of many educators around the country, hundreds of schools are using this philosophy to redesign the way it educates children. There are however many schools who still teach in the same old way, and who continue to put too much emphasis on the linguistic, and mathematical intelligences. The challenge is to get this information out to many more teachers, school administrators, and others who work with children, so that each child has the opportunity to learn in ways which will fit their unique way of learning. As an Education Assistant in training, I am grateful for being taught about this theory. As a parent, I also intend to make a difference.

Multiple Intelligences and how to make them work for you