Howard Gardner

The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults. Until now, most schools all over the world have been selection devices. These institutions have honoured a certain kind of mind – ideally, one that combines language and logic – and tried to select individuals who excel in these forms. In most schools individuals who favour other mental representations have received little honour. The cognitivist’s acknowledgment of different kinds of minds opens up enormous educational opportunities. If individuals do differ from one another and if we want to reach as many of them as possible, it makes little sense to treat everyone in a one-size-fits-all manner.