Multiple Intelligences

Intelligence is defined as the application of knowledge and skills at a higher level of thinking. Intelligence has many different traits which include the ability to understand concepts, apply them, reason, learn and put knowledge into practice. If a child portrays any of these traits then the child is considered an intelligent person. Intelligence cannot have a single trait because there are many different ways of being intelligent and as a result one form cannot be considered superior to another.

Howard Gardener was a theorist that came up with a theory that attempts to explain intelligence. In his premise he stated that there are multiple intelligences. Gardener believed that intelligence has many qualities and therefore intelligent people can be categorized according to what they are good at. Gardener came up with nine different ways of how children can be intelligent; these include: visual, linguistic, logical, bodily, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic and existential.

Taking into consideration Gardener’s theory of Multiple Intelligence, as teachers we must be aware that although some children may not be outstanding in a particular subject does not necessarily mean that the child is not intelligent. Therefore, when planning we keep in mind that some children are intelligent in other areas. In my past classes, I have encountered classes that have very intelligent children in music and logic. There is one child in particular which I observed had to types of intelligences that Gardener states in his theory.

Most of the time teachers categorize children who are not bright in Mathematics and English as not intelligent. This child in particular has made a difference in my belief of intelligence. Now I realize that this child has two different types of intelligences. These two intelligences are musical and body/kinesthetic. Although this child did not portray much understanding about logic thinking, he was a student who showed great potential in music and other activities that include bodily movements.

The child possesses great musical skills. His type of intelligence is characterized by sensitivity to sound, pitch, and rhythm. This child was gifted with strong musical intelligence since he enjoyed singing and playing instruments. He was able to recognize musical patterns and tones very easily. Moreover, he was able to create melodies by just looking at the notes of songs. This was only one of the intelligences that this child possessed, he was also a very good and active player.

When it was time for Physical Education class, this child was always prepared to play the sport assigned. He showed great potential in controlling the ball during football class. He was able to manipulate the ball and control the different movements that came with it. I considered this child to be intelligent in kinesthetic. Gardener’s theory does not exclude any individual because everyone is good

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