Gardner suggests that an individual should not be assessed solely on their intelligence quotient (IQ), but by a series of different intelligence levels that may be singled out or integrated by the combination with other multiple intelligences. In his literature, Garner refers to a young girl who is being asked a series of questions to determine her IQ. Gardner comments, “This number (IQ) is likely to exert appreciable effect upon her future, influence the way in which teachers think of her and determining her eligibility for certain privileges” (Gardner, 1993, pg. 4). The 21st century learner’s intelligence should not be judged by just one method of assessment, but by a series of different assessments to reflect the various intelligences one may have beyond the standard IQ exam.
Smith (2008) provides a brief definition and example of each of the nine Intelligences. Linguistic implies an intelligence that focuses on spoken and written language. Those who are Linguistic can effectively use language to express one self. People such as writers, poets and public speakers are considered to be linguistically intelligent.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence is required in order to analyze and solve problems. Individuals who are considered to have Logical-Mathematical Intelligence can easily recognize patterns, solve problems through deduction, and logically complete mathematical and scientific operations (Smith, 2008).
Smith also summarizes the use of Musical Intelligence to perform, compose and appreciate musical patterns, as well as bodily-kinesthetic which gives one the ability to use the whole or parts of the body to solve problems, mainly the use of the mental ability to coordinate body movements (Smith, 2008).
Spatial Intelligence gives one the ability to recognize and use patterns of wide and confined spaces. An example given by Gardner is of a twelve-year-old male Puluwat in the Caroline Islands, and his ability to master navigation by his understanding of sailing, stars, and geography (Gardner, 1993, pg. 4).
Understanding the intentions, motivations, desires, and fears of others as well as one self is a trait of those who poses the Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Intelligences respectively. The Naturalist Intelligence, one of the more contemporary views, looks at the perception among living things such as animals and plants, as well as other elements of nature including rocks and clouds. The final, Existential Intelligence, focuses on those who have a deep insight on life and death, including the purpose of each (Smith, 2008).
With a number of possible intelligences one may utilize, it is a valid argument that one specific evaluation of intelligence is simply not adequate to determine what the individual may need to be successful in life. Gardner’s theory therefore implies that an individual’s education should be matched to their intelligence(s). Educators should promote certain types of learning environments based on one’s potential for a specific level of intelligence. This also means that the levels of intelligence must be correctly measured with relevant assessment to the individual’s strengths. With such a diverse approach to learning, one must call upon the diversity of technological tools, thus enters the Internet.
McFarlane (2011) claims that “the theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI) is the most viable and effective platform for the 21st Century educational and instructional methodologies.” McFarlane supports his claim by referring to the diversity of today’s student population, the uniqueness of the modern student, the need for flexibility, and the increase in educational accountability (McFarlane, 2011, pg. 1).
Rulloda (2011) notes that Gray and Waggoner (2002) indicated Howard Gardner’s concept suggested that knowledge could be displayed in multiple ways and where a teacher can reach more students in a particular timeframe. This is relevant to the argument for the use of web–based technologies since it can be argued that the Internet offers an endless variety of ways for an individual to learn a topic or become familiar with a subject. The Internet also gives the learner the opportunity to choose which technology they wish to use. The choice of the learner could have a direct reflection upon their specific intelligence.
Phillips (2010) remarks “The connection between how the mind is organized and the education of students suggests a need for additional classroom teaching and testing applications”. As educators seek to add these teaching and testing applications, it is evident that the Internet is clearly the most effective and efficient means to offer instructional tools to the 21st century learner.
As one explores the various opportunities the Internet has to offer the learning process, using Gardner’s theory is a practical approach to determining what Internet tools should be used to meet the diverse needs of students who may range among the nine intelligences. As this list is infinite, a few can be quickly evaluated in favor of Gardner’s argument.
Traditional learning concentrations on the use of linguistic intelligence, and even though a shift has been made from teacher-centered to learner-centered education, there is still a need for one to read and write about relevant ideas and concepts within a given subject. The days of writing papers and submitting them for a grade are far from being extinct, yet the use of wikis, blogs, and discussion boards now allow students to express their thoughts linguistically while working in a collaborate environment thought the use of the Internet.
The use of gaming and simulation through the web allows students with multiple intelligences to learn while employing their strengths. Gaming in general can require a multitude of skills in order to master the mental and physical requirements, which in turn makes it a valuable tool for building knowledge and engaging the students in the learning process. Games can include the logical-mathematical problems which can be solved, the use of audio patterns and musical skills to accomplish a task, and allow the user to interact both mentally and physically in a bodily-kinesthetic manner.
Finally, reflection upon the main topic of a subject can allow both the interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences to thrive with the use of discussion boards, blogs and wikis. Allowing one to express their deep thoughts about topics that are covered in class may uncover the strengths of someone who otherwise may be uncomfortable with basic speaking, reading, or writing found in a traditional classroom.
In conclusion, the endless list of web-based instructional tools are more than adequate to supply the demand for teaching a diverse group of students who all differ by the way they reason and perform. Specifically in distance learning, an educator can offer the same content by using a variety of different approaches, thus increasing the opportunity for overall class success. By following the theory set forth by Gardner, an educator can use tools that meet the needs of the 21st century learners while maximizing the chances of providing diverse learners with what they need to be successful.
References
Gray, K. C., & Waggoner, J. E. (2002, Summer). Multiple intelligences meet Bloom’s
taxonomy. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 38(4), 184-188. Retrieved from
http://proquest.umi.com.proxy1.ncu.edu
Gardner, H. (1993) Frames of mind: the theory of multiple intelligences 10th Anniversary, Basic
Books, New York, NY
Phillips, H. (2010) Multiple intelligences: theory and application, Perspectives in Learning: A
Journal of the College of Education & Health Professions Columbus State University 11(1)
Rulloda, R. B., (2011) School improvement model to foster student learning, North Central
University, 1-13. Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED523516.pdf
Smith, M.K. (2008) Howard Gardner, multiple intelligences and education
Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gradner.htm
Thomas, I find your discussion of multiple intelligences to be very intriguing. I also agree with you that a single measure of intelligence is not very effective in today's world, and that using a single measure of intelligence can result in unfair prejudice against students by instructors and society. In addition, intelligence testing is is primarily a measure of how one performs on intelligence tests, and there are a multitude of factors that can affect student performance on such tests. In addition, I feel that multiple intelligence theory emphasizes that each individual has their own strengths, weaknesses, and interests, and that an individual may have a strength in one area and a weakness in another. In addition, I feel that while we recognize that individuals have their own strengths and weaknesses, I also feel that our school systems are very much one-size-fits-all, and that students who do not do well in traditional schooling often lack alternate paths to pursue what they would excel in.
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