The 8 Benefits of Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

According to Howard Gardner, having a broader view of cognition enhances a student's talents.

Human intelligence has been an important topic of discussion in the field of psychology. And, without a doubt, one of the most important concepts is that of the Multiple Intelligencesa theoretical model proposed by Howard Gardner.

For a long time, there had been talk of unitary intelligence; however, Gardner's proposal gave a twist to the traditional belief about human intelligence, and the model of multiple intelligences appeared as an alternative to the hitherto dominant paradigm.

A theory that changed the course of education.

Howard Gardner, presented his theory to the world with his book. Structures of the mind: the theory of multiple intelligencesa work that expresses the idea that intelligence is not a unitary concept, but that there are many nuances to define this construct. Although the first edition of this text was published in 1983, it was not until 1987 that it appeared in Spanish.

For Gardner, intelligence is too abstract a construct to speak of a single intelligence, given that it is possible to find cases of people who are very skilled in certain mental tasks. people who are very skilled at certain mental tasks and very bad at others.geniuses when it comes to composing music or moving their bodies to dance, but not very skilled in mathematics, for example. That is why psychologists have been very interested in this subject and today there are different conceptions about cognition and higher psychological processes.

According to the theory of multiple intelligences, we can speak of the following types of intelligence.

• Linguistic intelligenceThis is the ability to master both written and spoken language.
• Logical-mathematical intelligenceLogical-mathematical intelligence: It is the ability to reason logically and the ability to solve mathematical problems.
• Spatial intelligenceIt is the ability to observe objects from different perspectives, as well as the world, and is the ability to manipulate mental images and create them to solve problems.
• Musical intelligenceIt is the ability to elaborate musical pieces or to interpret music.
• Body intelligenceAbility to move one's own body and coordinate body movements.
• Intrapersonal intelligenceIt is the ability to know and manage one's own emotions and thoughts.
• Interpersonal intelligenceIt is the ability to relate to others.
• Naturalistic intelligenceIt is the sensitivity that an individual has towards the natural world.

Benefits of Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

The Multiple Intelligences have changed the educational landscape, and according to Gardner provide a number of benefits in the classroom.

1. Motivates students

One of the benefits of this model of intelligence is that it it helps each child or student to develop his or her talents.. This is key for them to feel motivated on a daily basis. For example, if a child is good at music, with this model it is possible to detect him and help him develop his great passion.

2. Personalize learning

Howard Gardner's theory states that each student has unique characteristicsthat make them different from others. If we manage to discover what each child can contribute and what he/she is good at, we can make him/her grow and favor his/her learning.

3. Provides a more complete learning

This learning model is much more complete than the traditional one. Since it has a broader vision of intelligence, it favors the acquisition of a Wide range of competencies by the students. competencies on the part of the students.

4. Teaches to learn

Students learn different strategies and creative strategies and tools that help them develop their talents on their own.

5. It promotes more competencies

It is a more complete model that includes different types of competencies. Therefore, students develop those skills in which they excel.

6. Promotes educational innovation

This model breaks with the classical teaching model and encourages creativity. At the same time, it the most innovative educational tools have a place in it..

7. Practical application

Since the student develops what really motivates him and what he excels in, he is more likely to be able to apply it in his future.

8. More precision in the evaluation

This model allows to know and develop those strengths and weaknesses of each student, so it gives a more accurate view of how each student is. more precise vision of what each student is like. and what needs to be done to stimulate their learning.