Multiple Intelligences

Also known as: Theory of Multiple Intelligences · Gardner's Intelligences

Definition

The theory of Multiple Intelligences is an educational model developed by Dr. Howard Gardner that proposes humans possess a range of relatively autonomous cognitive domains, rather than a single general intelligence. In the Philippine educational context, particularly in homeschooling and progressive education, it serves as a foundation for designing personalized learning styles and customized curricula. (Wikipedia)

Identities

Source Type	Identity
Wikipedia	Theory of multiple intelligences
Wikidata	Q2349072
DBpedia	Theory_of_multiple_intelligences
ProductOntology	N/A
Wiktionary	N/A
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)	Multiple intelligences
MeSH	N/A
NCBI Taxonomy	N/A
AGROVOC	N/A
Google Scholar	multiple intelligences theory Howard Gardner education pedagogy
ConceptNet	N/A
OpenCyc	N/A

Also Known As

Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Gardner’s Intelligences

Examples and Analogies

Visual-Spatial Learning: Teaching fractions using geometry blocks and charts.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Learning: A student learning history by performing a historical reenactment.

Usage Scenarios

1. Homeschool Lesson Planning

A parent adapts a science curriculum to emphasize naturalistic and musical activities for a child who struggles with traditional lecture-based methods.

2. Academic Assessment

A teacher allows students to present their book reports as either a written essay, a drawing, or a musical song, catering to different intelligences.

Strategies

Integrate multiple pathways (verbal, logical, visual, musical) when designing curriculum units to keep learners engaged.
Utilize informal observation to identify a student’s strongest intelligence domains rather than relying solely on standardized tests.

Security and Safety Measures

Avoid labeling students permanently under a single intelligence type; encourage development across all cognitive domains.
Ensure that progressive curricula based on multiple intelligences still meet the minimum standards required by DepEd.

Historical Context

Introduced by Harvard psychologist Dr. Howard Gardner in his 1983 book Frames of Mind, the theory challenged traditional IQ-based educational systems. In the 2000s, the model gained significant traction in the Philippines as private homeschool providers and progressive educators sought alternatives to traditional rote-learning methods.

Challenges and Controversies

Standardization Constraints

Integrating multiple intelligences within highly structured, standardized state examination systems.

Teacher Training

Training educators to effectively manage classroom activities that address multiple learning profiles simultaneously.

References

Theory of multiple intelligences — Wikipedia