Howard Gardner: The Development Of The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner, a distinguished professor, author, and psychologist, is most commonly known for the development of the theory of Multiple Intelligences. Starting his post-secondary education at Harvard University, Gardner had an incredible interest for psychology and education. While attending Harvard University, Gardner studied under Erik Erikson, an esteemed psychoanalyst, taking particular interest in human nature and how humans think. Gardner's passion and in-depth research continued on as he took part in several studies, all while attaining his PhD in 1971. Upon completion of his PhD, Gardner became a lecturer and professor at Harvard University, focusing his studies on education, as well as, teaching neurology at Boston University School of Medicine. Meanwhile, Gardner continued his research on human nature, contributing much of his time with Project Zero, a major research center for education. It was at this time when Gardner published his research on the theory of Multiple Intelligences in his book Frames of Minds: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The theory focuses on an original list of seven intelligences in which Gardner believes are individually developed in humans and allows for unique learning styles for each individual learner (Smith, 2008).

The first two intelligences described in Howard Gardner's book are those that are highly valued in school and various learning environments. The first and most thoroughly studied is the linguistic intelligence. Linguistics is generally centered on the use of written and verbal language, ultimately the basic form of communication. Individuals who excel in linguistic intelligence have the capacity to use language in several beneficial methods. Linguistics is com...

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...f how individuals develop particular learning styles, individually crafted to each person. This relatively new theory, developed by the highly esteemed professor and researcher Howard Gardner, apposes traditional views of learners using just two distinct intelligences. Rather, Gardner's theory offers an additional five intelligences that all contribute to the various learning styles preferred by students. The theory also brings into question the teaching styles and assessments used in our education system. If Gardner's theory stands true, then standardized testing puts students with certain intelligences at a disadvantage in the educational system. If students lack linguistic or mathematical intelligence, but excel in other intelligences, such as musical intelligence, there is no possible way to discern that through a mainstream standard test fit for everyone.