Howard
Gardner developed the Multiple Intelligence Theory. He believed that there are
eight different types of intelligence. They are: a linguistically learner, a
mathematical learner, a spatial learner, a musical learner, a bodily-kinesthetic
learner, a naturalistic learner, an interpersonal learner, and an intrapersonal
learner (Weiten, 2008). I am going to briefly describe each of the different
types of intelligence. I am going to explain my perspective on this theory, and
whether or not it is appropriate.
In
my experience, as a parent advocate, I believe the following to be true: A
linguistic learner is someone who enjoys reading, writing, and speaking. I have
noticed that most elementary students who are linguistic learners enjoy writing
in journals, and they are able to express themselves well. They are normally
good at memorizing people, places, and dates. A job that this person might hold
is an author, a report, or a story teller.
The second intelligence is a mathematical
learner. This is a person who is good at math, reasoning, logic, and problem
solving. I have learned that this type of learner might enjoy games like chess because
it is concrete. When something is concrete, there is a certain way to
accomplish a task. The jobs that they hold could be as a math teacher, a
computer programmer (programs are based on various number patterns - 011001),
or a scientist.
A spatial learner is the third type of
intelligence. They are good at imagining things, sensing changes in objects,
and space. This type of person is probably an architect, carpenter, or
construction worker. I have worked with my husband doing remodeling, and in
order to be an effective carpenter a person has to be able to see the end
product. I can look at an old building and imagine what it would look like
after it is renovated.
A musical learner is the fourth type of
intelligence. These people might like to sing (a singer), listen to music, play
an instrument (in a band), and hum tunes (a composer). They learn best through
music: its melody, and its rhythm.
The
next intelligence is a bodily-kinesthetic learner. They are good at physical
activities. The jobs that they are probably best at would be a body builder,
sports player, coach, or a dancer. They
process information through the way that they move. I do not believe that all
people have the ability to be athletic. I understand that anyone can exercise
but, not all people have balance. To a child with a sensory deficit this would
not be an easy way to learn. However, it would be appropriate to try and
strengthen their skills.
A
naturalistic learner is the sixth type of intelligence. These people love the
outdoors, have survival skills, and processes information best in a natural
setting. I enjoy traveling to different places. I have noticed that when my
children and I drive to our destination that not each one of them is a good
navigator with the map. My oldest can figure out where he is no matter what has
happened, like if we have missed a road or taken the wrong turn. My daughter
does not understand which way to go even with help. She has a hard time
understanding the sun comes up on the East, and the sun goes down on the West.
The
seventh type of intelligence is an interpersonal person. They can feel empathy
for others, put themselves in another person’s shoes. The traits that this type
of person might possess are: they enjoy sharing, cooperating, and joining
groups. They might be a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, salesman/saleswoman or a counselor.
I have had the opportunity to meet different school psychologists. They not
only listen to the parents concerns and the school’s concerns, but they speak
about the student’s needs. What is best for them so that they will succeed?
The last type of intelligence is an
intrapersonal learner. They learn best when they are alone; they enjoy having
their own space. They are very in tune with their body, mind, and soul. In my
opinion a person who has this skill is able to be alone. They can sit in a
quite room and not feel obligated to put on the TV or Radio. An example of this
type of person might be a nun, a monk, or a philosopher. While I have listed
these intelligences using a number pattern this does not mean that one type of
intelligence is more important than another. It just goes to prove that people
have a natural ability to learn information a certain way.
I
believe that when a person is given a multiple intelligence test, the results
will give an accurate picture of how that person learns. It shows that people
learn differently, and are not the same. Each one of us is unique. It is this
uniqueness that needs to be measured accurately. This information can help
regardless of the age of the person. If the individual is a child, then
accommodations can be made that would be appropriate for that child. If they
are an adult this information might be useful to them to help them decide on a
career that would benefit them, and that they would be happy in. The interviewer
of the test will learn the individual’s strengths and their weaknesses. This is
valuable information when making life choices. It has been my experience that
all children do not learn one way. When an evaluator only tests a person’s IQ
they are only learning about bits and pieces of an individual (how good they
are at reading, comprehension, and math). An IQ test does have its benefits;
however, it should be combined with multiple testing. I have learned through my
advocacy that one test should never be used as the sole basis of determining an
individual’s ability.
I have never taken an IQ test, but I feel that
if I did it would not accurately portray my intelligence. If the environment
was new to me, and the evaluator was unknown to me, I would be nervous
(anxious). I would be thinking about the room, and the person, rather than the
questions that were being asked. There are other factors that would come into
play; what time of day would I take the test? I know that I am more mentally
alert in the morning. Have I eaten or did I skip a meal? I start to feel tired
when I have not eaten.
There
are strengths and weaknesses to the multiple intelligence theory. Due to the
different strengths and weaknesses on this subject the matter is constantly
being debated. I have explained what my view point is on this topic. Over the
last ten years, I have learned first hand how important it is not to
underestimate a person’s ability just because of the score they received on an
individual test.
References
·
Polvere, Lauren. Lectures for class. April 3,
2009.
·
Weiten, W. (2008). Psychology: Themes and Variations, Briefer Edition. Ohio
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