Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences

Nowadays, when we mention intelligence, it is natural to think of IQ and the conventional psychometric tests that measure it uniformly. However, In the 1980s, an alternative hypothesis emerged that shook the foundations of cognitive psychology: Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences.

Howard Gardner realized that people did not have a global intelligence that could be applied to all spheres of their lives. If not, they developed different types of skills, which he called multiple intelligences.. This insightful idea left behind the classical and unitary conception of the concept.

Thus, his proposal leads us to explore a fascinating world where intelligence is deployed in various dimensions, revolutionizing the way of thinking about human abilities and learning.

-Howard Gardner-

Definition of multiple intelligences

In the book Multiple intelligences. The theory in practice (2015), Gardner defines multiple intelligences as the abilities to solve problems or produce products that are valuable in one or more cultures.. When he initially postulated his ideas in 1983, he identified and described seven distinct forms of intelligence.

However, as his research and understanding of human potential advanced, in the 1990s, he chose to enrich the model, adding an octave: naturopathic intelligence.

This model recognizes that intelligence is a set of diverse skills that develop differently in each individual. Gardner does not deny the genetic component, but maintains that all human beings have the potential to expand their skills through abilities, motivation and factors such as: the environment, lived experiences and the education received.

Thus, this theory is positioned as an alternative to the classic conceptualization of the concept: an innate and immovable entity, associated with cognitive and academic abilities. In which it was believed that one was born intelligent or not, and education could not change that fact.

Although some forms of intelligence can be related to academic performance, Gardner highlights that school records are not usually the variable that best predicts how a person will develop in life. There are others of equal importance such as social and emotional skills.

For example, people who score very high on classic intelligence tests, but are unable to perform a minimum of skill in their social relationships. Succeeding in business, or in sports, requires being intelligent, but each field uses a different type of intelligence.

Theory of multiple intelligences: 8 types of intelligence

Gardner’s theory advocates tailoring education to each person’s individual strengths, which could reduce the cost of learning in terms of time, resources, and energy. The model is made up of the following eight types of intelligence:

1. Logical-mathematical intelligence

It is defined as the ability to understand abstract relationships. We use it to solve logic and mathematics problems. It corresponds to the way of thinking of the right hemisphere and what our culture has always considered as the only intelligence.

Mathematical logical intelligence involves the competence to use numbers effectively. That is, you can estimate, guess, remember numbers and statistics with ease. Therefore, people with this type of competence perform better in tasks such as:

analyze and investigate problemswork with complex numbers and calculationscount and organize information in tablesrepair computersinductive and deductive reasoningapply critical thinking

It is the intelligence of mathematicians, scientists and engineers. To enhance this intelligence you can do sodoku, have fun with games of numbers and letters or do daily life calculations, without using the calculator.

2. Linguistic intelligence

It is the most recognized intelligence in the teaching and learning of a foreign language, as it encompasses reading, writing, listening and speaking. This intelligence involves a sensitivity to oral or written language, as well as the ability to use it successfully in any goal.

This skill includes the correct use of syntax, phonetics, semantics and pragmatic uses of language such as rhetoric, mnemonics, explanation and metalanguage.

People who have linguistic intelligence give the sensation of being very natural when they explain, teach or persuade because their precision when using language is very high. They prefer to spend their time reading, creating works, writing poems, researching, learning foreign languages ​​or using word games in their free time.

It is the intelligence of lawyers, authors, poets, teachers, comedians, and orators. To enhance this intelligence you can read and write a diary, a blog, Twitter and you can even cheer yourself up with fiction. Also, you can have fun with games like Apalabrados or scrabble.

3. Musical intelligence

This intelligence includes the ability to perceive musical forms. It represents ease in the composition, interpretation, transformation and evaluation of all types of sounds.

These people have a sensitivity to the rhythm, cadences, tone, timbre of nature and the environment. They are people who enjoy spending their time:

SingingListening to melodiesPlaying instrumentsAttending concertsCreating musicHumming when they study.

It is the intelligence of music lovers: composers, singers, sound engineers, musicians, music teachers, etc. To enhance musical intelligence you can listen to a variety of melodies and sounds, or learn to play an instrument.

4. Spatial intelligence

Spatial intelligence is the ability to form and imagine two- and three-dimensional drawings.. It also covers:

Understand, manipulate and modify space configurations Easily remember photos and objects

These individuals prefer to spend their time drawing, doodling, painting, building models, reading maps, and studying optical illusions. It is the intelligence of architects, pilots, surgeons and artists such as painters, sculptors or graphic artists.

To enhance this intelligence you can take routes in unknown places, trying to orient yourself with maps, play with puzzles or make models.

5. Body-kinesthetic intelligence

Corporeal-kinesthetic intelligence constitutes the ability to use the body (in whole or in parts) to express ideas, learn, solve problems, perform activities, or build products.

These people have a strong connection between their mind and their body, which allows them to learn and express themselves through movement. They are subjects that are characterized by:

acquire physical skills quickly and easily have excellent motor coordination and physical dexterity sensitivity and awareness of their own body and movement ability to express themselves through the body, as in dancing or acting act and imitate the gestures and expressions of various people learn best when physically active and in motion

This intelligence is usually highly developed in athletes, dancers, actors, surgeons, craftsmen, inventors, mechanics and technical professions.

To enhance this intelligence you can learn some type of dance that helps you practice coordination and move the parts of your body separately or practice a sport or yoga.

6. Interpersonal intelligence

Interpersonal intelligence encompasses the ability to notice things that are important to other people.: remembering your interests, your motivations, your perspective, your personal history, your intentions, and often predicting the decisions, feelings, and actions of others.

Individuals who possess these types of skills are those who like to talk, learn in groups or in pairs, and work or do activities with other people. They spend a lot of time helping others and are good mediators of social conflicts.

They are excellent communicators, using body and verbal language. They have many friends and have sincere affection for others. Additionally, they understand how to motivate others. It is the intelligence of teachers, psychologists, counselors, politicians, salespeople and religious leaders.

To enhance this intelligence you can practice active listening, carry out group activities, especially if cooperation such as sports and volunteering is encouraged.

7. Naturalistic intelligence

naturalistic intelligence It is determined by a sensitivity to the natural forms and geological characteristics of the earth. It covers the ability to distinguish and classify the details and elements of the urban, suburban or rural environment.

These people enjoy camping, hiking, caring for pets, and figuring out and categorizing the names and details of people, animals, plants, and objects in their environment. This intelligence is more important for cultures dependent on hunting, fishing, and harvesting.

It is the intelligence of natural and social scientists, poets, and artists. They generally recognize details and use their perceptual skills in their professions, while developing them.

To enhance this intelligence you can cultivate your own garden or go for walks through natural environments with a guide about the flora and fauna.

8. Intrapersonal intelligence

Intrapersonal intelligence refers to the ability to understand oneself, including emotions, goals, and personal motivations. Self-exploration, reflection, emotional maturity and self-acceptance are important aspects in the development of this intelligence.

People with this intelligence have greater self-awareness, self-discipline, self-control, better self-esteem and are characterized by:

a great skill in self-regulation and metacognition they practice introspection, looking inward to understand their thoughts and feelings they present adequate awareness of their limitations and knowledge good emotional management they are assertive, expressing their emotions and needs in a respectful manner towards others.

So to enhance it you can reflect through journal writing, practice meditation techniques or read about psychology and the human mind.

Other types of intelligence according to Howard Gardner

It is important to note that numerous proposals have emerged to further categorize human abilities, such as culinary, sexual, humorous or digital intelligence. Despite these additional proposals, Gardner has not endorsed any of…