Chapter nine focuses on intelligence: what it is, why there are different kinds, and how to measure it. What struck me as interesting was the aspect of multiple intelligences; how some people have a greater skill in certain intelligences and others are skilled in a different intelligence. Howard Gardner specialized in this practice and created a theory of multiple intelligences where there are eight "frames of mind" of how a person thinks of the world. His eight proposed intelligences are: Linguistic, Logico-mathematical, Spatial, Musical, Bodily-kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalistic.
However, Gardner's model has not been formally tested and there is no concrete evidence that all of his "frames of mind" are completely independent like he says they are. There is also speculation on the intelligences chosen for his theory. Researchers say that certain intelligences like Humor or Memory should be added and the Bodily-kinesthetic should be removed because it is more of a talent than intelligence.
Gardner's model has been integrated into the educational system, especially for younger students. Teachers are trying to specialize their teaching to the certain ways their students learn best. However, many have said that this approach may just weaken the skills a child is already bad at and a teacher should try to help them develop them.
Gardner's Theory in Schools
There Are Different Ways of Being Smart
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Good overview. What do you think about the topic? Do you tend to like the views of Gardner or his critics? Why? You might want to tell us why we should go to the link.