Multiple Intelligences- Chapter 1

Name: Block 2, Team 2
Date: September 12, 2007

Abstract:
Chapter one introduces Howard Gardiner’s theory of multiple intelligences. According to Gardiner there are eight different forms intelligence. These include logistical-mathematical, linguistic, naturalistic, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and musical. Gardiner defends his decision to use the word intelligence when applied to these terms citing that all eight of them can be isolated within the brain and that savants are living proof that one can exhibit outstanding proficiency in one kind of intelligence above all others. Gardiner also points out that although one may be inclined toward one intelligence; it is possible for every individual (excluding savants) to reach a high proficiency in all of them

Reflection:
As a group we found that Gardiner’s theory of multiple intelligences was interesting to discuss and it was interesting to examine our own strengths and weaknesses according to the MI test we took in class. For example, Andrew, Carrie, and I found that our strongest intelligence was linguistic but Abbie’s strongest was music, a fact she disagreed with. In class we discussed that you could have little musical, linguistic, etc. talent but you could enjoy singing, writing, etc. and how according to Gardiner’s test your strongest intelligence may show up as musical, linguistic, etc. Abbie said that although she enjoys listening to music all the time and singing she cannot read music fluently but still musical intelligence turned out to be her strongest, even though in reality she does not believe that her strongest intelligence is music.
The part of Gardiner’s theory that surprised all of us the most was the fact that everyone has the ability to develop all the eight intelligences to a high degree. We also found it interesting that the linguistic intelligence seemed to be concentrated within the English and social sciences concentration, while the logistical-mathematical and naturalistic intelligences were concentrated within the science and math areas.
Understanding what our strengths and weaknesses in terms of the eight intelligences will be a very important tool in the future. Knowing that I am strong linguistically, I know that I will probably teach more towards that intelligence but I can work to teach to all the intelligences.