Sunday, July 24, 2011

Multiple Intelligences and Technology

The multiple intelligences theory represents a meaning that relates to our *human* nature, from a cognitive perspective, which is the process of getting knowledge by the use of, for example, logic, insight/ sixth sense or awareness/sensitivity).  That is, how we distinguish; how we observe things (“Howard Gardner’s multiple,”).  Moreover, the types of intelligence that we possess show more than our potentials.  It shows the style/way in which we prefer to learn to develop our strengths and/or weaknesses, too (“Howard Gardner’s multiple,”).  Let’s show some good supporting evidence and/or examples. 
According to Gardner, a person who is strong musically and weak numerically will be more likely to develop numerical and logical skills through music, and not by being bombarded by numbers alone.  Or, a person who is weak bodily and physically and strong numerically might best be encouraged to increase their physical activity by encouraging them to learn about the mathematical and scientific relationships between exercise, diet and health, rather than forcing them to box, etc.  The point here is that we need to support the infinite variety of capabilities that we have and value in life and at the workplace and then, as stated, value people for who they are, what they can be, and by helping them to grow and fulfill their potential.  Make sense?  So, Gardner proposes the multiple intelligence theory as a wonderful initial step towards this theory in what he calls a more compassionate and constructive way.  This emphasize is on IQ.  For instance, Gardner states if schools can think beyond IQ and as he calls it (the bleeding reading, writing, and arithmetic), then perhaps we can be ready for ethics, etc.

Reference:

Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: theory of multiple intelligences

Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm