Multiple Intelligences Theory by Howard Gardner

Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences

• Howard Gardner is an American cognitive psychologist and author, best known for his theory of multiple intelligences.
• He first presented his theory in "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences" (1983) and later refined and extended it in multiple books.
• Gardner defines intelligence as "a biopsychological potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture" (Gardner, 2000).

Multiple Intelligences

• Logical-Mathematical: the ability to understand and use numerical patterns, carry out mathematical operations, and engage in logical reasoning.
• Linguistic: the ability to acquire and use the functions of language to express oneself and comprehend others.
• Spatial: the ability to recognize and manipulate patterns, spaces, and objects.
• Musical: the ability to recognize and use the components of music in composing or performing music.
• Bodily-Kinesthetic: the ability to use the body in a coordinated and productive fashion.
• Interpersonal: the ability to interact with others in a positive and productive fashion, to recognize motivations and intentions, and others' feelings.
• Intrapersonal: the ability to understand one's own motivations and abilities and use that information to guide one's own life.
• Naturalistic: the ability to understand the natural world, recognizing plant and animal species and the workings of the environment.

David Kolb's Theory of Experiential Learning

• David Kolb is a psychologist and educational theorist, best known for his theory of experiential learning.
• Kolb's theory views learning as a four-stage cycle: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.

Kolb's Learning Cycle

• Concrete Experience: the learner encounters a concrete experience, which might be a new experience or situation, or a reinterpretation of existing experience.
• Reflective Observation: the learner reflects on the new experience in the light of their existing knowledge.
• Abstract Conceptualization: reflection gives rise to a new idea, or a modification of an existing abstract concept.
• Active Experimentation: the newly created or modified concepts give rise to experimentation.

Kolb's Learning Styles

• Kolb's learning theory sets out four distinct learning styles, which are based on a four-stage learning cycle.
• The four learning styles are: Diverging, Assimilating, Converging, and Accommodating.
• Each learning style represents a combination of two preferred styles, based on two pairs of variables, or two separate "choices" that we make.

Learning Styles

• Diverging (Feeling and Watching): people with this style are more attracted to logically sound theories than approaches based on practical value.
• Assimilating (Thinking and Watching): people with this style prefer readings, lectures, exploring analytical models, and having time to think things through.
• Converging (Doing and Thinking): people with this style can solve problems and will use their learning to find solutions to practical issues.
• Accommodating (Doing and Feeling): people with this style rely on intuition rather than logic, and prefer to take a practical, experiential approach.

Test your knowledge on Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, as presented in his seminal works such as 'Frames of Mind' and 'Intelligence Reframed'. Learn about the different types of intelligences according to Gardner's theory.