Multiple Intelligences

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Multiple Intelligences
By Tim Wei MY AS 8 Block G Jan. 20, 2004
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What Is Multiple Intelligences ?
Multiple intelligences was a theory
developed by Dr. Howard Gardner in 1983. Dr.
Gardner suggests that the traditional way of
measuring intelligence was too limited. Such as
basing intelligence on IQ testing. So he proposed
8 different kinds of intelligences to broaden the
range of human potentials
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The New Intelligences
1. Linguistic intelligence (word smart)
2. Logical-mathematical intelligence
(numbering/reasoning smart)
3. Spatial intelligence (picture smart)
4. Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence (body
smart) 5. Musical intelligence (music
smart) 6. Interpersonal intelligence
(people smart) 7. Intrapersonal
intelligence (self smart) 8. Naturalist
intelligence (nature smart)
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Different views of Intelligence
In the past, different people with
different backgrounds believe in different
qualities as proof of intelligence. For example,
the ancient Greeks valued people who have good
physical agility, good judgment, and courageous
behaviors. The Romans valued courage, and as for
followers of Islam, they prized the holy soldier
almost like God. The Chinese traditionally adored
people who were skilled in poetry, music,
calligraphy, and archery. Finally, Pueblo Indians
valued people who cared for others. As you can
see, different people and their cultures have
different views about intelligence. Even though
some of the qualities may seem so common right
now, it was hard to find people with
intelligence in the ancient and dangerous
world. Possibly because of the exploring and
conquering of the empires killed off many of the
intelligent people, you never know.
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To Understand Intelligence
In the late 19th century, the concept of
people recognizing intelligence has changed.
Francis Galton, one of the founders of modern
psychological (intelligence) measurement,
believed that intelligence can be measured. So at
around 1870, he began to use formal tests of
intelligence. He also believed that intelligent
people have greater sensory acuity, or in other
words, have very good senses (touch, smell, see,
hear, and taste). Unfortunately, it didnt go as
planned, because Francis Galton, who he thought
himself as an intelligent person, didnt do well
on the test.
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The Measure of Intelligence
Later on in 1912, a German psychologist,
Wilhelm Stern came up with the name and measure
of Intelligence Quotient, or IQ. With this new
way of testing intelligence, many countries soon
adapted it as well. Amazingly, though, over the
next few decades the concept of Intelligence
Quotient didnt advance much. As time goes on,
some people had questions about intelligence, and
these are actually the key questions of
intelligence 1. Is intelligence
singular or are there various ones?
(this was what Dr. Gardner has trying to figure
out over the past 20 years)
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The Measure of Intelligence


(continued)
2. Is intelligence (or are
intelligences) family inherited
(is being passed down generation to
generation?) 3. Are
intelligence tests biased (with questions that
can only be known by a certain class
of people such as rich people?)
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Is There Moral Intelligence?
Over the years, another question
arose is there moral (emotional and spiritual
intelligence)? This might be true, but moral
intelligence seems to go beyond the realm of
intelligence. But there are many concepts about
it. For example, babies at the age of two, has
developed a sense of right and wrong and that
seems to be with us for the rest of our lives.
Other people argued that it just fits nicely into
the 6th intelligence category (interpersonal
intelligence people smart). But it is just a
concept, it might come true and it might not. One
way to find out is to wait and see as more
reliable theories are being created, or if you
want, go and research on your own, be the person
who comes up with the theories. It is your choice.
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Is Our Point of View Incorrect?
Because the intelligence quality of the past
seems to be focusing mainly on linguistic
intelligence and logical-mathematical
intelligence, not many people even cared about
children or adults who were good at art, physical
skills, musical skills, and even good at
designing new things. Some of these children at
school were even labeled learning disabled or
ADD (attention deficit disorder or just
underachieversin a more classical way stupid,
defected person.). It is actually a real cruel
thing to do. Just because people have gifts on
sides that does not associate with school
teachings, doesnt mean they are not intelligent!
Now many schools have changed their rules and
what they teach, making people gifted on other
items, rather than just words and mathematical
smart, easier at school.
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Summary
From this project, I have gained many
knowledge about one of humans most important
organ the brain (after all, you even need to
think with it and some people even say that the
brain is you!). During the research on my topic
multiple intelligences, I have seen many
historical people arguing and creating theories
to understand more about the giant lump in our
skulls. Yet, I think we only knew so little,
there are just millions of different informations
out there waiting future generations to
rediscover them, or maybe we will be the ones who
will discover these truly amazing information
about our central nervous system. These are your
choice, you can choose to work for a better
future or you can wait for others to do the job
for you. After all these, I personally think that
intelligence is something far beyond measurable,
it is too complicated, but I believe that one day
the answers to the mysteries of the element that
makes us distinct from animals shall be revealed.
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Bibliography
Works Cited Gardner, Howard. Intelligence
Reframed Multiple Intelligences for the 21st
Century. New York Basic
Books, 1999 Multiple Intelligences. ED.
Thomas Armstrong. 1998-2000. Art Education
Association, Texas. 7 December 2003 lt
http//www.thomasarmstrong.
com/multiple_intelligences.htmgt. Multiple
Intelligences. ED. Thirteen-Ed Online Team. 2003.
Disney Learning Partnership, USA. 8
December 2003 lt http//www.thirteen.org/edonline
concept2class/month1/index.htmgt.
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Activity
Please answer the following questions 1. What
was the theory of multiple intelligences? Do you
think it is reasonable? 2. What do you think is
intelligence? 3. If you can make up your own
theory about multiple intelligences (MI). What
would it be? Also for further information, you
can visit my web site at
www.geocities.com/timweiwei
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The End