The 8 benefits of Multiple Intelligences in the classroom
Human intelligence has been a subject of important discussion in the field of Psychology. And, without a doubt, one of the most important concepts is that of Multiple Intelligences , a 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 in human intelligence, and the multiple intelligences model appeared as an alternative to the hitherto dominant paradigm.
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A theory that changed the direction of education
Howard Gardner, presented his theory to the world with his book Structures of the mind: the theory of multiple intelligences, a work that expresses the idea that intelligence is not unitary, but there are many nuances to define this construct. Although the first edition of this text was published in 1983, it was not until 1987 when it appeared in Spanish.
For Gardner, intelligence is a construct too abstract to speak of a single one, given that it is possible to find cases of very skilled people in certain mental tasks and very bad in others : geniuses when it comes to composing music or moving your body to dance, but not very skilled in mathematics, for example. That's why psychologists have been very interested in this topic and today there are different conceptions about cognition and higher psychological processes.
According to the theory of multiple intelligences, we can talk about the following types of intelligence.
- Linguistic intelligence : It is the ability to master both written and oral language.
- Logical-mathematical intelligence : It is the ability to reason logically and the ability to solve mathematical problems.
- Space intelligence : It is the ability to observe objects from different perspectives, like the world, and is the ability to manipulate mental images and create them to solve problems.
- Musical intelligence : It is the ability to create musical pieces or perform music.
- Body intelligence : Ability to move one's body and coordinate its movements.
- Intrapersonal intelligence : It is the ability to know and manage your own emotions and thoughts.
- Interpersonal intelligence : It is the ability to relate to others.
- Naturalist intelligence : It is the sensitivity that an individual has toward the natural world.
Benefits of Multiple Intelligences in the classroom
Multiple Intelligences have changed the educational landscape, and according to Gardner they contribute a series of benefits in the classroom .
1. Motivate students
One of the benefits of this intelligence model is that helps each child or student develop their talents . This is key so that they feel motivated on a day-to-day basis. For example, if a child is good with music, with this model it is possible to detect it and help him develop his great passion.
2. Personalize learning
Howard Gardner's theory goes to say that each student has unique characteristics , that make you different from others. If we can discover what each child can contribute and what is good, we can make him grow and we favor his learning.
3. It provides a more complete learning
This learning model is much more complete than the traditional one. Since you have a broader view of intelligence, favors the acquisition of a wide range of competences on the part of the students.
4. Teach how to learn
Students learn different creative strategies and tools that help them develop their talents themselves.
5. Power more competencies
It is a more complete model and in which different types of competences have a place. Therefore, students develop those skills in which they excel.
6. Power educational innovation
This model breaks with the classical teaching model and favors creativity. At the same time, in him, have the most innovative educational tools .
7. Practical application
Since the student develops what really motivates him and in what stands out, 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 that get a more accurate view of how each one is and what needs to be done to stimulate their learning.
