Running Head: GARDNERS THEORY

Gardners Theory Nancy White EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education Instructor: Dana LeFleur June 4, 2012

GARDNERS THEORY In 1983, Harvard psychologist and professor of neuroscience, Howard Gardner first published his theory of multiple intelligences. He theorized that humans do not simply learn in

only one manner, but instead we can each learn from one or more of, what he describes as, seven intelligences. He states that there are seven separate intelligence centers in the brain and that each individual has a different combination of these seven intelligences. The intelligences that we each possess are based both upon our genetic makeup and the environment in which we are raised. Howard Gardners seven intelligences are: logical-mathematical, linguistic, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. The first two intelligences, logicalmathematical intelligence, which includes the ability to reason, calculate, and use critical thinking, and linguistic intelligence, which is being skilled with language and having the ability to use both written and spoken words with ease, are the intelligences that are traditionally taught and tested in school. The next intelligence, spatial intelligence, is the ability to comprehend 3D images and shapes. Those with a strong spatial intelligence can easily visualize how things fit together and they are good at creating mental images to solve problems. Engineers, architects, and navigators, are some examples of people that are skilled with spatial intelligence. The fourth intelligence, musical intelligence, means that one is talented with recognizing musical tones, pitches, and rhythms. Those with musical intelligence are sometimes referred to as people that have an ear for music. It is amazing how they can listen to a song and then proceed to play it back seamlessly on a musical instrument. The next intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, means that one is very skilled with manipulating his or her body. Athletes and dancers are examples of people that are skilled in this intelligence. Conversely, those with cerebral palsy are not strong in this area. Many people that do not understand cerebral palsy, mistakenly believe that those that are afflicted with cerebral palsy are also slow intellectually. But, as physicist

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Stephen Hawking proves, that is not the case. People with cerebral palsy are simply people with a weakness with their bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. The final two intelligences are interpersonal intelligence, which is the ability to understand, empathize, and relate to others and intrapersonal intelligence, which is the ability to understand ones own feelings and motivations. A perfect example that supports Gardners theory of multiple intelligences is that of idiot savants. Leslie Lemke and Ellen Boudreaux are supposed idiot savants that were both extremely gifted with musical intelligence (Santoso, 2008). In addition, to her musical ability, Ellen was also extremely intelligent spatially (Treffert, 2011). She had the ability to navigate around a room without bumping into anything, in spite of the fact that she was blind due to being born prematurely. Of Gardners seven intelligences, I identify most with the first three: logicalmathematical, linguistic, and spatial. Having strength in these areas, especially in the areas of logical-mathematical and spatial intelligences, has allowed me to be a natural problem solver. I actually revel in problem solving, both theoretically, as in solving puzzles, conundrums, and fictional mysteries, and practically, in my day-to-day life and business. I was thrilled when we were given a puzzle to solve during this weeks reading assignment. It had to do with three geniuses and I was asked to determine the color of the first geniuss hat. First, I read the assignment. Then, one of my taxi customers called me for a ride, so en route to pick up the customer, I visualized the problem and reasoned it out in my head. Finally, I came to the proper conclusion. I was thrilled to confirm that my conclusion was correct after I dropped my customer off and was able to consult the appendix of my textbook. Another example of using my logical-mathematical and my spatial intelligences, is when I get an early morning phone call from the dispatcher. I am usually asleep when I receive these calls and I am expected to be at the

GARDNERS THEORY customers location within 20 minutes. Given that it takes me at least 15 minutes to get to most locations, that only gives me five minutes to get prepared and out the door. During those five

minutes, I also have to visualize the route that I must take to arrive quickly at the customers pick up location. In doing this, I must determine whether to take the shortest route or an alternative, depending on projected traffic conditions. Furthermore, I have observed that, like taxicab drivers in London, by having to use these parts of my brain so frequently, I am getting progressively better, or rather more intelligent, especially in the area of spatial intelligence (Cooper, 2011). Finally, having linguistic intelligence has helped me a great deal in many aspects of my life. First, I am able to formulate my thoughts and relay information accurately through both the written and the spoken word. This has benefitted me most when I am called upon to give local talks and speeches in my community. In addition, having linguistic intelligence has helped me when I am in a situation where I have to learn and grasp something that someone else is trying to convey to me. As an example, I am active as a volunteer in the EMT and emergency preparedness community and I frequently have to take refresher course or even learn new techniques for medical care or search and rescue. By having linguistic intelligence, I am easily able to thoroughly understand what is being taught to me both through the textbooks and the lectures.

GARDNERS THEORY References Cooper, R. (2011). Learning the Knowledge makes cabbies more intelligent for life as brain structure is altered. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2071687/The-Knowledge-Brainstructure-altered-making-cabbies-intelligent.html Santoso, A. (2008). 10 Most Fascinating Savants in the World. Retrieved from

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/09/05/10-most-fascinating-savants-in-the-world/ Treffert, D. (2011). Ellen With a song in her heart. Retrieved from http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/savant_profiles/ellen