Multiple Intelligences: Curriculum Implications

Through out our lives, we are faced with many different learning experiences. Some of these experiences have made a more profound impact than others. This can be attributed to the fact that the mind has many ways of learning and assimilating data. A learning style is the method though which people gather information about their environment. As educators, it is our responsibility to inform ourselves of all learning styles, in order to reach each of our students in the most effective way. Howard Gardner, a professor at Harvard University, introduced his theory of Multiple Intelligences in 1983. The general idea of traditional intelligence is the idea that we are born with a single, finite intelligence that cannot be changed, and is measurable by a calculated measure. Gardner believes that there are eight different intelligences in humans.

Gardner’s eight intelligences are: verbal linguistic, visual spatial, bodily kinesthetic, mathematical logic, musical, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and naturalist. Understanding and adopting his theory of intelligence has become a very popular and respected practice. Deciding to adopt his ideas and implement them can help an educator to design his/her classroom in a way that will appeal to all students. As an administrator, Gardner’s theory can aide in restructuring curriculum in a more universal and effective way. It is our job to understand and interpret what will be the most practical way to implement this change in curriculum. We might also be able to curb discipline problems by offering a variety of ways to reach a difficult student. This may provide a method that could perhaps make more “sense” to the student and have a more profound effect on learning. We can include all of the intelligences in lessons to accommodate all of the students’ different learning styles simultaneously. By reaching each student via their dominant intelligence we can assume that a student will perform better, this in turn will most certainly impact the retention of important information. This also has great potential of making lifelong scholars instead of just regurgitation learners. A student’s learning style can also help lead them into a more appropriate career direction. As educators, we can educate ourselves in our own personal learning style or intelligence to help improve the way we learn and teach.

Gardner’s first intelligence is verbal-linguistics. A linguistic learner is often times an avid reader and story teller. This person uses language to express and understand meaning. These learners pay attention to words and often express themselves through writing. Verbal linguists are skilled readers and speaking is often one of their most important strengths. The traditional curriculum tends to cater best to this type of learner. They always seem to know what is going on around them and are wonderful navigators, mechanics, engineers, architects, and inventors.

Musical learners obviously have the ability to produce and appreciate music, they think in rhythms, sounds, and patterns. Learners of this nature often critique what they hear. They often hum while working (whistle while they work). Using instruments or their voice, musical learners are capable of reproducing a melody quite easitly. Gardner is especially fond of the musical learner because when he was younger he was an aspiring pianist.

The second most common intelligence is logical mathematical. It involves the ability to use numbers, logic, and reason. These learners learn conceptually, in logic and number patterns. They can easily compute numbers in their head. Students who learn logically often ask lots of questions and enjoy doing experiments. They often excel in fields