Verbal-Linguistic
Visual-Spatial
Musical-Rhythm
Logical-Mathematical
Bodily-Kinesthetic
Naturalistic
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Existential
Multiple Intelligences
What are multiple intelligences?
Multiple intelligences is a theory set forth by Howard Gardner. The theory states that individuals contain more than just one type of intelligence. Intelligences are organized by the following:
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Verbal-Linguistic |
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Visual-Spatial |
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Musical-Rhythm |
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Logical-Mathematical |
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Bodily-Kinesthetic |
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Naturalistic |
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Interpersonal |
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Intrapersonal |
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Existential |
(Information gathered from article by Sally Brewer and web site on multiple intelligences; click on underlined links)
What does Gardner consider to be an intelligence?
The ability to solve problems or fashion products that are of consequence (or valued) in a particular cultural setting or community.
The creation of a culture product is crucial to such function as capturing and transmitting knowledge or expressing one's views or feelings.
Gardner Frames of Mind pg.15
What does his theory have to do with critical thinking and creativity?
EVERYTHING!
Since Gardner is also a theorist on creativity, he does leave the option for creativity in his multiple intelligences theory. For example, if a student has a high verbal intelligence it would be wise to let that student explore his creativity through divergent thinking which generates a list of ideas, solutions, or word images that can assist the student in the thinking process. This of course can lead to critical thinking techniques such as evaluating material or ideas as well as analyzing information to come up with possibilities for a problem.
Multiple intelligences are an excellent way for teachers to look at students in a whole new way. Teachers will try to come up with projects that can tap into two or more of the intelligences which can lead to student's performing at their best intelligences which might promote not only more creative thought, but critical thinking as well.
Take a look at the following chart that can be used in the educational classroom.
This chart tells the teacher that there are multiple activities or projects that student can do that correlate with student's multiple intelligence. The critical thinking that the student will have to do in order to complete these projects could be:
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Evaluating |
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Analyzing |
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Setting Aside Bias |
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Synthesis |
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Recall |
These of course are not the only thinking skills used. The list is just an example.
This entry on MI is what leads to the Southern Lit. Project IDEA! I decided to have a project that could tap into some of these multiple intelligences.
Upon opening that document you will see how option 1 could correlate with verbal, musical, or interpersonal. Option 2 could deal with the same. Then option 6 could deal with more of a kinesthetic or logical or visual aspect to intlliegence. I tried to gather inpiration from this theory.
Expectations
Use content terminology accurately and appropriately.Clearly illustrate awareness of content field modes of inquiry.
Must contain one entry that relates to on-going discourse in the candidate’s content field and shows how the candidate has applied that knowledge to teaching and learning.
