Notes: Gardners Theory of Multiple Intelligence | Child Development and Pedagogy for CTET Preparation - CTET & State TET PDF Download

Multi-Dimensional Intelligence

In 1983, Howard Gardner proposed the Multi-dimensional or Multiple Intelligence theory. He stated that there were seven different types of intelligence. In the late 1990s, Gardner added one new type of intelligence, calling it ‘naturalist intelligence’. Thus, the different types of intelligence, according to Gardner, are as follows

1. Linguistic: It involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. Writers, poets, lawyers and speakers are among those that have high linguistic intelligence.
2. Musical: It involves skill in the performance, composition and appreciation of musical patterns. Musicians and composers have this intelligence in abundance.
3. Logical Mathematical: It consists of the capacity to analyse problems logically, carry out mathematical operations and investigate issues scientifically. This dimension of intelligence is associated with scientific and mathematical thinking. 
4. Spatial: It is the potential to recognise and use the patterns of wide spaces and more confined areas. Artists and designers have more of this dimension of intelligence. 
5. Bodily-Kinesthetic: It is the ability to use mental abilities to coordinate body movements. Mental and physical activity are related, so the potential of using one’s whole body or parts of the body to solve problems is covered by this form of intelligence. Athletes and sportspersons have this form of intelligence in high measure. 
6. Intrapersonal: This is the capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one’s feelings, fears and motivations and to be able to use such information to regulate our lives. 
7. Interpersonal: This is concerned with the capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people. It allows people to work effectively with others. Educators, salespeople, religious and political leaders and counsellors all need a well-developed interpersonal intelligence. 
8. Naturalist: This is the ability of recognising plants, animals and minerals.

Gardner based his research on his studies of strange cases like 

• people who had lost a mental ability and improved another
• people who excelled in one skill but not in others, and 
• people who developed their skills in the absence of others. 

He concluded that there must be multiple independent bits of intelligence that explain the strange cases that he studied.