Chapter 1: The Foundations of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Originally, intelligence was measured almost solely by the Intelligence Quotient test, leaving one’s intelligence to be measured by only a number. Then Howard Gardener came along and developed his theory of multiple intelligences, the idea that there are eight and maybe more intelligences that can be measured in a number of ways. All people are capable of having and developing all the intelligences. Some intelligences unfortunately seem more valued more than others, with linguistic and logical being the two most taught to in schools. The intelligences do not function separately, but rather work as a collective unit, requiring more than one to complete most daily tasks. Gardener’s multiple intelligence theory will have great impact in my classroom because I will need to be aware of my student’s intelligences and help they to develop all of them, not just advance their obvious stronger intelligences.