Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Essay Example

According to Haward Gardner ,There are many definitions of  the word intelligence , what definition of intelligence makes the most sense to you ? Explain why.

The definition of intelligence is a complex affair and has received numerous definitions and interpretations. Amongst the best of these is that produced by the psychologist Howard Gardner “intelligence is the ability to solve problems or to create products that are valued within one or more cultural settings” (Gardner, 2012).  This definition is appealing because it links intelligence to the cognitive ability to solve problems and that of innovation and creativity.  Equally it considers the ability to adapt to cultural environments.  An example being the genius of the late Steve Jobs of Apple Corporation who had great intelligence for problem solving combined with innovation and creativity in the creation of a range of technical products.

What are your thoughts about the notion that multiple intelligences are very attractive to many due to the suggestion that everyone can be smart in some way?

In 1993 Gardner proposed a model of human intelligences that went beyond conventional wisdom in this area.  He considered a variety of different learning styles and these have appealed to Educators in teaching and the public at large.  Schools were shown that intelligence went beyond items like books, writing instruments and traditional learning methods.  The alternative approaches considered linguistic abilities, deduction and logic in mathematics, musical composition, inter/intra personal skills and understanding the natural world we live in.  In this concept everybody can make a contribution to intelligence in some way.  This has facilitated the building of a number of different educational models where this can be applied.  Amongst these is that of “Theory of language and learning”; the concept of globalization and multiculturalism means that the educators now have to provide a teaching model that caters for this brave new world. Being multi-lingual offers many advantages in terms of doing international business and working with multi-national corporations.  Human intelligence is evolving into a new era of discovery and science.

References

Gardner, H. (2012, 7 26). Howard Gardner. Retrieved from Human Intelligence: http://www.indiana.edu/~intell/gardner.shtml