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Home > Maya at a Glance > Multiple Intelligences
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Having
researched a variety of current models of defining intelligence and
viewing the whole child in the learning process, the administration
and faculty of Colegio Maya have chosen Gardner's theory of “Multiple
Intelligences” as our tool of looking at intelligence and also,
as a means of differentiating instruction and assessment. We have
in-serviced our faculty on ways of developing the 8 intelligences
with our students and we have purchased many resources for our professional
library to assist our teachers in their own professional growth in
this area.
In his 1983
book, Frames of Mind, Gardner presented his Theory of Multiple
Intelligences that reinforces his cross-cultural perspective of
human cognition. The intelligences are languages that all people
speak and are influenced, in part, by the culture into which one
is born. They are tools for learning, problem-solving, and creating
that all human beings can use. A brief description of Gardner's
eight intelligences follows:
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Linguistic
intelligence consists of the ability to think in words and to
use language to express and appreciate complex meanings. Authors'
poets, journalists, speakers, and newscasters exhibit high degrees
of linguistic intelligence.
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Musical intelligence
is evident in individuals who possess a sensitivity to pitch, melody,
rhythm, and tone. Those demonstrating this intelligence include composers,
conductors, musicians, critics, instrument makers, as well as sensitive
listeners.
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Logical-mathematical
intelligence makes it possible to calculate, quantify, consider
propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complex mathematical operations.
Scientists, accountants, engineers, and computer programmers all demonstrate
this intelligence.
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Interpersonal
intelligence is the capacity to understand and interact effectively
with others. It is evident in successful teachers, social workers,
actors, or politicians. Just as Western culture has recently begun
to recognize the connection between mind and body, so too has it to
come to value the importance of proficiency in inter-
personal behavior.
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Spatial intelligence
instills the capacity to think in three-dimensional ways as do sailors,
pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects. It enables one to perceive
external and internal imagery, to recreate, transform, or modify images,
to navigate oneself and objects through space, and to produce or decode
graphic information.
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Intrapersonal
intelligence refers to the ability to construct an accurate perception
of oneself and to use such knowledge in planning and directing lif
one se. Some individuals with strong intra- personal intelligence
specialize as theologians, psychologists, and philosophers.
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Bodily-kinesthetic
intelligence enables one to manipulate objects and fine-tune physical
skills. It is evident in athletes, dancers, surgeons, and craftspeople.
In Western societies, physical skills are not as highly valued as
cognitive ones, and yet elsewhere the ability to use one's body is
a necessity for survival as well as an important feature of many prestigious
roles. |
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Naturalist
intelligence consists of observing patterns in nature, indentifying
and classifying objects, and understanding natural and human-made
systems. Skilled naturalists include farmers, botanists, hunters,
ecologists, and landscapers.
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