Theory of Multiple Intelligences

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI) put forward by Professor Howard Gardner of Harvard University provides a solid backing to educators from all over the world that human intelligences can be nurtured and improved. This theory debunks the myth that one's intelligence is fixed at birth. Teachers are therefore given the task of educating our future generations and developing their intelligences.

The MI Theory tells us that our intelligences are multifaceted. There are at least 8 types of intelligences in us: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist. Each of us possesses all of these intelligences but to varying degrees. These intelligences do not work in isolation but in concert.

Educators have found that the different types of intelligences are synergistic: when one changes, others may be affected. In fact, one can harness the strength of one intelligence to awaken the weaker ones.

The traditional approach of education favours heavily the linguistic and logical-mathematical learners, and labels children of other intelligences learning disabled when in fact they are just learning different!

Gardner strongly advocates changes in curriculum design and delivery so that all the intelligences are addressed and children who are stronger in intelligences other than linguistic and logical-mathematical are not disadvantaged or ignored.

Every child is an individual. His background, exposure, experiences, aptitude and needs are unique, and educators must treat each and every one differently.

With this new understanding in mind, kindergartens and teachers cannot continue to adopt a "one-size-fits-all" mindset in education. Kindergartens are not teaching factories and teachers are not teaching machines. They should not and cannot churn out children with identical abilities.