The average IQ score, according to modern standardized testing, is 100. The three categories are verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal. But, Harvard professor Howard Gardner has a different theory. In 1983, Gardner raised some eyebrows when he wrote Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
Gardner’s Eight Intelligences
How students retain what they see, hear and do is no longer the standard by which schools judge intelligence. Howard Gardner believes there are eight areas in which individuals may show giftedness. Unfortunately, schools honor students that can read well, retain what they read, write, solve math problems and organize thoughts. Anyone that falls short of these standards is considered to have lower ability.
Gardner sees the world differently. He offers eight areas of intelligence to consider:
- Verbal-linguistic intelligence refers to an individual’s ability to analyze information and produce work that involves oral and written language, such as speeches, books, and memos.
- Logical-mathematical intelligence describes the ability to develop equations and proofs, make calculations, and solve abstract problems.
- Visual-spatial intelligence allows people to comprehend maps and other types of graphical information.
- Musical intelligence enables individuals to produce and make meaning of different types of sound.
- Naturalistic intelligence refers to the ability to identify and distinguish among different types of plants, animals, and weather formations found in the natural world.
- Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence entails using one’s own body to create products or solve problems.
- Interpersonal intelligence reflects on ability to recognize and understand other people’s moods, desires, motivations, and intentions.
- Intrapersonal intelligence refers to people’s ability to recognize and assess those same characteristics within themselves. [1]
What is Gifted?
Gardner believes that every person possesses all eight of the intelligences but in varying levels of aptitude. Giftedness may occur in one, two or more areas. The other areas may be average to below average. Every mind has a unique profile. Unfortunately, schools honor only verbal-linguistic intelligence and logical-mathematical intelligence. Does this leave 75% of students trying to excel in areas outside their giftedness? And, in today’s climate of No Child Left Behind testing, are schools testing only 25% of a child’s intelligence?
Unfortunately, there are no "tests" that measure the IQ score of a musician in musical intelligence or a naturalist in naturalistic intelligence. Schools also do not test for bodily-kinesthetic intelligence or interpersonal intelligences in spite of stating that this skill is needed for success in the adult world. Even if there were assessments to measure all eight intelligences, would schools see them as intelligences worthy of respect in education?
Some schools cling to archaic testing and measurement of the past and, in some cases, blame students for not being gifted in the traditionally selected intelligence areas. Perhaps, with the popularity of differentiated learning, students will be given the opportunity to develop their distinctive intelligences and have them honored.
Related article: History of IQ Tests
[1] Scott Seider, "An Educator's Journey Toward Multiple Intelligences," Edutopia, April 2009, The George Lucas Educational Foundation.
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