Assignment One, Chapters 1-3

Howard Gardner, author of Intelligence Reframed, states that there are originally eight intelligences. They are as follows:
1. Linguistic intelligence, meaning using language to accomplish goals such as lawyers, speakers, or writers do
2. Logical mathematical intelligence, which means being able to compute mathematical operations
3. The arts and musical intelligence
4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, which is what dancers and athletes have and they use parts of their bodies or their whole bodies to solve problems or fashion products;
5. Spatial intelligence, which pilots, sculptors, graphic artists, and doctors have and they can manipulate wide space and confined areas;
6. Interpersonal intelligence, which means working well with others
7. Intrapersonal intelligence, when you have the ability to understand one’s self and to use this information to run one’s own life
8. Naturalistic, which has to do with nurturing and relating information to one’s natural surroundings like naturalists, farmers, and gardeners
Gardner goes on to say that “a person’s strength in one area of performance simply does not predict any comparable strengths in other areas” (Gardner 1999). If we are able to do more than one thing at a time, there is proof that different areas of the brain are being used.
When it comes to using multiple intelligences as ways for students to learn in the classroom, there are notable changes taking place for the better. In one elementary school in San Jose, this type of learning is known as the “eight kinds of smart”. All eight intelligences are incorporated into the daily lesson plans. In two elementary schools in Chino Valley, “teachers design lesson plans around individual student interest”. In another elementary school in North Carolina, staffers are not concerned with “how smart are you?” but with “how are you smart?” (Seider, Geiger).
According to an article by Thomas Hoerr, a multiple intelligences approach is “child centered”. He also states that more children succeed with the multiple intelligences method. He believes that we should “see multiple intelligences as a tool to help reach more kids” Hoerr agrees “that yes, Gardner was right; there are many different ways that students can learn” (Hoerr, 2002).

If teachers think of their students as individuals who each have their own ways of expressing themselves and not as a whole as the picture above shows, they will bring out much more in each student. The students we are referring to above are: J.K. Rowling, Richard Feynmann, Lauryn Hill, Julian Schnabel, Mia Hamm, Colin Powell, Deepak Chopra, Jane Goodall, and Gary Larson.

• J.K. is writing the next Harry Potter adventure on scraps of paper.
• Richard is daydreaming the equations enabling a quantum computer.
• Lauryn softly hums the tunes for the sequel to "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."
• Julian has painted brilliant fall leaves on each windowpane.
• Mia can't wait to get to PE.
• Colin has organized the school's charity fund drive.
• Deepak provides in-class spiritual counseling.
• Jane adds a new animal to the class menagerie daily.
• Gary scrawls witty absurdities in the margins of his notebook.
(Ed Broadcasting Corp, 2004).

The findings in The Project on Schools Using Multiple Intelligences Theory (Project SUMIT) showed that students’ education experiences showed improvement, including students with disabilities. They also reported a reduction in disciplinary actions and an increase in parental involvement (Fierros, 2004).

"Concept to Classroom: Tapping into Multiple Intelligences - Explanation." THIRTEEN - New York Public Media. Web. 21 Sept. 2011. .
Fierros, Edward G. "How Multiple Intelligences Theory Can Guide Teachers Practices:." Nov. 2004. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
Gardner, H. (1999). Intelligence Reframed. New York: Basic Books
Hoerr, Thomas. "Applying Multiple Intelligences in Schools." Applying MI in Schools. New Horizons for Learning, Jan. 2002. Web. 21 Sept. 2011. .
Seider, Scott, and Rebecca Geiger. "Teachers Are Taking Multiple-Intelligences Theory to Heart." Edutopia. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.