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Edu 317 Multiple Intelligence Theory Defined

This document is an expository essay by Samantha Mathews for her education methods class discussing Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. The essay describes how traditional education focuses on a single style of teaching, but Gardner's theory proposes that there are eight different types of intelligence and individuals learn best through their strongest intelligence areas. The essay then defines each of the eight intelligences - linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and existential. It argues that students benefit when taught through different styles that engage various intelligences, rather than a single standardized approach.

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358 views5 pages

Edu 317 Multiple Intelligence Theory Defined

This document is an expository essay by Samantha Mathews for her education methods class discussing Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. The essay describes how traditional education focuses on a single style of teaching, but Gardner's theory proposes that there are eight different types of intelligence and individuals learn best through their strongest intelligence areas. The essay then defines each of the eight intelligences - linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and existential. It argues that students benefit when taught through different styles that engage various intelligences, rather than a single standardized approach.

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Samantha Mathews

Professor Sharon McGrath


Language Arts Methods
Education 317
16 March 2015

Samantha Mathews
Expository Essay

Multiple Intelligence Theory


For generations the education system in the United States has
implemented a narrow procedure using lecture, repetition and
memorization to teach and assess learning. This procedure fails to
incorporate individual learning styles and only focuses on a single way
to administer and test knowledge. Students need to be able to explore
subjects, experiment, and exhibit knowledge creatively in order to
understand, retain, and integrate the knowledge to daily use. When
students are given the freedom to learn in many ways other than one
they blossom and appreciate the education and are able to show their
understanding. This new way of teaching has been credited to a
theorist named Howard Gardner, who created the term and speculation
of multiple intelligence theory. This theory expresses that individuals
learn in many different ways, and are able to understand and retain
knowledge best when they are taught in their strong intelligence areas.
In an the article, Multiple Intelligences: Understanding Your Child's Learning
Style the author Sue Douglass Fliess expresses these viewpoints on Gardners multiple
Intelligence Theory and defines the different learning styles each student can have. These

learning styles permit individuals to interpret and express knowledge gained in multiple
ways.
The first of the multiple intelligences defined is called Linguistic Intelligence.
Individuals with this intelligence prefers English and social studies over math and
science, and enjoys to read and write, spells well, and likes rhymes and puns, and has an
extensive vocabulary. These students can learn well through reading, discussions, board
games, and acting out plays.
The second is called Logical-Mathematical Intelligence. These students have
strengths in math and reasoning. They like strategy games, and can easily do math and
number problems in their head. These students can learn well through puzzles,
experimenting, and using technology and computers.
The third is spatial intelligence. These students are skilled in creative thought,
where they understand maps and charts and like to draw and express himself/herself
through creating things. They can learn by watching movies, creating sculptures and
artwork, designing, and solving 3-D activities.
The fourth is Musical Intelligence. This student is skilled in music and melodies.
They understand musical instruments and speak and move in rhythmical ways. This
student learns best through playing instruments, creating melodies and songs to
remember information, and through dance and singing.
The fifth is Interpersonal Intelligence where this student enjoys socializing and is
a people person. They learn from others and share ideas to generate conclusions, and they

understand people and the way to negotiate and share. This student learns best through
collaborative activities, multi-cultural experiences, and role-playing.
The sixth is Intrapersonal Intelligence, which is almost the opposite of
Interpersonal. This student likes to work alone and is independent. This student learns
best by doing independent projects, journal writings, and reflection papers.
The seventh is Naturalistic Intelligence where the student is very in tune with
nature and animals. They have a strong connection with the outdoors and enjoy nature
and the zoo. This student learns best through experiences on field trips to museums and
zoos, outdoor activities, and observing and experimenting with nature.
The final Intelligence discovered to date is Existential Intelligence. This student
likes to think outside of the box and challenge ideas. They like to think and read about
philosophical ideas. This student learns best through exploring philosophical ideas,
asking questions, and reading books.
Individuals can be skilled in some or many of these intelligences, and weak in
others. Students thrive in education when they find their preferred learning style and
capitalize on it. Students need to be exposed to activities that include all of the learning
styles so they can figure out which way they learn best and are able to succeed by
expressing knowledge through their strong intelligences. This relatively new term,
multiple intelligences has enhanced the expression of individual knowledge and the many
ways to assess learning. No person is exactly same as another, so why would we teach
and assess knowledge by one general intelligence procedure? The Multiple intelligence

theory has changed the education system, and will be adapted and revolutionized for
individual abilities to express intelligence in multiple ways.

References:
Douglass Fliess, S. (2009, March 5). Multiple Intelligences: understanding your child's
learning style. Retrieved January 25, 2014.

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