Multiple Intelligences

Multiple Intelligences
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• In 1983, Howard Gardner introduced his Theory of Multiple Intelligences in a seminal book, Frames of Mind. Based on his work as professor in the Harvard Graduate School of Education, his work as a psychologist researching brain injuries, and his long interest and involvement in the arts, he suggested that intelligence is not a single attribute that can be measured and given a number. He pointed out that I.Q. tests measure primarily verbal, logical-mathematical, and some spatial intelligence. Believing that there are many other kinds of intelligence that are important aspects of human capabilities, he proposed that they also include visual/spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligences. More recently he added naturalist intelligence to this list and suggested that there may be other possibilities including spiritual and existential.
• In 1984, New Horizons for Learning invited Dr. Gardner to present his theory to the world of education at a conference we designed for the Tarreytown Conference Center in New York. Subsequently, all of NHFL's conferences were designed around the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, and Dr. Gardner has continued to write numbers of books expanding on the topic. At the present time educators throughout the world are finding effective ways to implement this theory as they seek to help students identify and develop their strengths, and in the process discover new, more effective ways of learning.