Howard Gardner first published his now famous articles on Seven Intelligences in 1983- Frames of Mind – The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
He has consistently challenged the idea that intelligence can only be measured by using standard IQ tests. He is a professor at Harvard and has continued to explore this area (his researchers have now “discovered” other Intelligences but I’m just going to stick with his original seven).
Howard Gardner initially formulated a list of seven intelligences. The first two, Linguistic and Mathematical /Logical have been typically valued in schools, universities and are the basis of most IQ tests. In addition they are the ones most valued in modern society in terms of the general perception of “intelligence”. The next three, Musical, Bodily/Kinesthetic and Visual/Spatial are more often associated with the arts. The final two, Interpersonal and Intrapersonal are what Howard Gardner called ‘personal intelligences’.
In essence Howard Gardner argued that he was making two essential claims about multiple intelligences. That:
Human beings are organisms who possess a basic set of intelligences.
People have a unique blend of intelligences.
Many places of learning have adopted and adapted Gardner’s ideas and are using these to assist their Learners.
In the UK the Minister for Education, Michael Gove, has recently announced a shake up of the current GCSE system which will favour going back to a knowledge based system of examining- standard IQ. Apart from the fact that every Minister for Education feels the need to stamp their mark on the system which means constantly moving goalposts for Teachers and little consistency in approach as Ministers change regularly, this approach is out of keeping with the whole idea of “other” intelligences and people playing to their strengths. As mentioned before knowledge is great but without skills and attitude it has no application!
Take a look at this you tube clip to hear Howard Gardner explain about different intelligences – Intelligence: It’s Not Just IQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP4CBpLNEye
So, what is your personal blend of these intelligences? There are plenty of questionnaires which will help you work out your own “blend” – some are free and others want to charge you and probably sell you something!
Next week I am going to look at the first of the seven- Linguistic. Don’t tell Michael Gove!
JUN
About the Author
Phil has over thirty years working in key management roles with particular expertise in Finance, Sales, Service, Teamworking, Culture Change and Performance Management. For more than twenty years he was involved in the very demanding Corporate Banking world. He has hosted and facilitated conferences for large organisations on a Europe wide basis. He is a qualified psychometric assessor for staff recruitment and MBTi qualified. He is an NLP Practitioner. In addition Phil is an accredited deliverer of “Celemi” Business Simulations. He has a real skill in taking complex concepts and models and bringing these to life. He has designed and implemented Learning and Development programmes into major organisations and now works in design and delivery of “Attitudinal Based Learning” and “Accelerated Learning”. Loves: Time with family and friends, Real Beer, Music, Walking - particularly along the coast.