The Theory of Multiple Intelligences and Its Application in EFL Classrooms
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences and Its Application in EFL Classrooms
Nobuo TSUDA
Abstract
Howard Gardner claims that every human possesses eight intelligences whereas
the IQ test mainly focuses on two: linguistic and logical-mathematical
intelligences. Because of this, in many classrooms, teachers who tend to focus on
those two intelligences limit other possible ways that students learn. This paper
examines the theory of MI (multiple intelligences) and how we can apply its
principles in school and EFL classrooms. The author concludes that
understanding MI theory and its principles is extremely important, since using
MI-based activities opens up a wide range of possibilities for helping students
learn more effectively and successfully in EFL classrooms.
Introduction
The theory of multiple intelligences (MI) is not well known in Japan. Many
Japanese people still tend to believe intelligence is closely related to IQ, and they
think that a person with a high IQ must be smart. Such a notion was challenged by
an educational psychologist, Howard Gardner, who published a book entitled
Frames of Mind in 1983. In this book Gardner claims that every human possesses
at least seven intelligences and that IQ measures mainly linguistic and logical-
mathematical intelligences. Therefore, we cannot measure human intelligences by
merely looking at IQ scores. He says that there are more things we need to
consider in order to discover each persons intellectual abilities.
The purpose of this paper is to examine Gardner s theory of multiple
intelligences in depth and consider how we can apply his theory. By understanding
his theory and its principles well, we may be able to understand how to apply
them in education, particularly EFL in Japan, and help students learn more
effectively in classrooms.
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2. Exceptional individuals. Gardner suggests that there are certain individuals who
can excel in a particular intelligence. Savants are individuals who are supreme in
one area of intelligence yet lack other intelligences. For example, in the movie
Rain Man, the character Raymond, portrayed by Dustin Hoffman, was a logical-
mathematical savant. He calculates a large number of figures in his head and
demonstrates other incredible mathematical skills. However, he is not good at
communicating with other people, or dealing with his own personal life
(Armstrong, 2000).
3. Developmental history. According to Gardner, each intelligence has its own
developmental history. In short, each intelligence-based activity has its own time-
frame, arising in childhood, peaking during ones lifetime and declining when one
gets older. For example, activities in music composition develop in relatively
early age. Mozart started to compose when he was five years old. Many
composers and performers have been active until their eighties and nineties.
Therefore, skills in music composition and performance stay sharp for a long
period of time. Meanwhile, one can be a successful novelist starting in one s
forties or fifties or even later in life (Armstrong, 2000).
4. Evolutional history. MI theory has its own historical background. Some
intelligences were more important than others in early history. For example,
hundreds of years ago many Americans who lived in rural areas needed
naturalistic and bodily-kinesthetic intelligences since they needed abilities to hunt,
farm, and build silos. Similarly, particular intelligences may become more
important in the future. As many people receive information through advanced
technology such as television and computers, the value of spatial intelligence may
increase (Armstrong, 2000).
5. Psychometric findings. Gardner suggests that there are many standardized tests
that support the theory of multiple intelligences (Armstrong, 2000). For example,
Christison (2005) says, The Weschsler Intelligence Scale for Children includes
sub-tests that focus on several of the different intelligences (p. 5).
6. Experimental psychological tasks. Psychological studies seem to suggest that
each intelligence works separately. For example, in studies some subjects work
well with reading skills, but they fail to transfer those skills to another area of
intelligence such as mathematical. In similar studies, some subjects can memorize
words well, but not faces whereas others can perceive music sounds strongly but
not verbal sounds. This seems to suggest that people can demonstrate different
levels of proficiency across the eight intelligences in each cognitive area
(Armstrong, 2000, p. 8).
7. Set of operations. Gardner suggests that just as computer programs need a set of
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences and Its Application in EFL Classrooms 35
operations, such as DOS, each intelligence has a set of operations that stimulate
different activities. For example, the components of musical intelligence include
the ability to distinguish among different musical rhythm structures. For bodily-
kinesthetic intelligence, people need to imitate the physical movements of others
(Armstrong, 2000).
8. Encoding in a symbol system. According to Gardner, the best indicator of
humans capacity for intelligent behavior is an ability to use symbols. In addition,
this capacity to symbolize distinguishes humans from other species. There are
different symbols for each intelligence. In linguistic intelligence, there are spoken
and written languages, for example, Spanish, English, and French. Meanwhile,
graphic languages are used by designers, architects, and engineers (Armstrong,
2000).
IQ vs. MI
The IQ test was first devised by Binet and Simon, who were commissioned by
the French Ministry of Education to identify students who had problems with
learning. Based on the measurement, the government tried to help students to
enhance their learning (Poole, 2001). Christison (2005) states, The idea is that
intelligence is a single, static construct, an innate attribute that doesn t change with
age, training, or experience. We are born with a certain amount of intelligence that
will not change as a result of life experiences (p. 2).
Howard Gardner challenges the whole idea of IQ. He says that the IQ test
mainly measures linguistic and logical-mathematical abilities. However, this
intelligent test does not measure other intelligences;it also doesnt look at other
virtues like creativity or civic mindedness, or whether a person is moral or
ethical (Checkley, 1997, p. 12).
Furthermore, Nicolson-Nelson (1998) states that the school system has
depended on the IQ test over the years and as a consequence, schools emphasize
linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences. Students who can read, write,
speak, and do basic mathematical skills are considered more successful in school.
Armstrong (1993) indicates that the IQ test predicts how students can be
successful in school, but it fails to perceive how students will do after they get out
of school. According to one study, one third of successful professionals have IQ
scores that are below average. This seems to suggest that real success requires a
wider range of skills and intelligences. Gardner (1993) further questions what
happens after school is finished. Take two individuals as an example. One
average student has become a very successful engineer and has attained a
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prominent position both in his career and in his civic community. He is considered
a talented individual by everyone. Meanwhile the superior student hasn t
become a successful writer, having been constantly rejected by publishers. She
has ended up taking a middle-management position at a bank. Although she is not
entirely unsuccessful, she is considered ordinary in her accomplishments.
Gardner states that the IQ test is a poor predictor of performance in professional
life after school.
Furthermore, the IQ test seems to imply that our intelligence is fixed and that
we cannot do anything about it. According to the theory of multiple intelligences,
each person possesses eight intelligences and he or she has unique strengths
among these intelligences, just as each individual has a unique mind and
personality (Checkley, 1997).
Contrary to the traditional view of the IQ score, Gardner suggests that everyone
can develop his intelligences to a reasonable high level of achievement. He says
that through the Suzuki Talent Educational Program many ordinary individuals
can learn to play the piano or violin at a high degree of proficiency. The programs
rich educational environment and the learners relatively early age of exposure to
this method help accomplish their goals (Armstrong, 2000).
Gardner points out that each intelligence does not work by itself in real life
situations. Intelligences always interact with one another. For example, Armstrong
(2000) indicates the following examples:
To cook a meal, one must read the recipe (linguistic), possibly divide the recipe
in half (logical-mathematical), develop a menu that satisfies all members of a
family (interpersonal), and placate one s own appetite as well (intrapersonal).
Similarly, when a child plays a game of kickball, he needs bodily-kinesthetic
intelligence (to run, kick, and catch), spatial intelligence (to orient himself to
the playing field and to anticipate the trajectories of flying balls), and linguistic
and interpersonal intelligences (to successfully argue a point during a dispute in
the game). (p. 9)
Another significant point of MI theory is that there are many ways to be smart
in each category. For instance, a person who cannot read but can tell a great story
or possesses a large vocabulary is considered highly linguistic. Similarly, a person
who is not good at sports on a playing field may show a high bodily-kinesthetic
intelligence when he or she weaves a carpet (Armstrong, 2000). Thus, compared
with the IQ, MI theory looks at more versatile intelligences of human beings.
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences and Its Application in EFL Classrooms 37
Furthermore, Gardner (1993) says that because people have different interests
and abilities, the school should be aware of individual differences and maximize
each person s intellectual potential. This means that the school does not merely
focus on an individual strengths and interests, but also identifies weaknesses, in
order to help each person overcome his or her difficulties in learning. Armstrong
(2000) says that a person s weak intelligence may turn out to be a strong
intelligence if he or she is given a chance to develop it. Gardner s idea also
implies that teaching in a variety of ways is effective with various kinds of
learners. Sensitivity to individual differences is a key to being a competent teacher
who can optimize students learning.
Tele (2000) points out that people use different combinations of intelligences
when they perform daily tasks. For example, driving a car requires a combination
of bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, intrapersonal, logical-mathematical, and
interpersonal intelligences. Therefore, it is important to develop both dominant
and less dominant, because people are required to use a variety of combinations of
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opinions individually. It seems that the main classroom dynamic was teacher-
students, and there was no pair work or group work. While the teacher was asking
one student, the rest of the students were sitting quietly and waiting their turn.
In another class I observed, the teacher worked on one exercise in a textbook.
She assigned different pairs to come up front and write answers on the board.
Then she went over each answer in the class. When she went on to another
exercise, she used exactly the same technique to assign different pairs to come in
front and write answers on the board. Students who were not assigned seemed to
relax and did not focus on what was happening in class. Moreover, they even
looked bored since they hadnothing to do.
In both classrooms, teachers did not seem to have time to explore different
approaches to teaching English. Rather they stuck to their focus on linguistic
intelligence to enhance learning. Those students who are not linguistically
oriented may have difficulty learning English this way. Concerning this issue,
Putchta and Rinvolucri (2005) said the following:
With this in mind, I have used some MI based activities in class, and they seem
to work very well. Questionnaires reveal that students enjoyed studying English
using a variety of approaches and that their motivation increased. The following
are some examples of MI-based activities I have used in classrooms.
1. Using authentic materials:
In my reading class, I focus on various reading skills such as scanning. I give
out a copy of Disney World s MGM Studio Guide map and a handout with
questions such asList three places that youd like to visit Where can you eat
pizza? Find two places. How long does Disney MGM Studio s Backlot Tour
last? First, students use their own intrapersonal intelligence to look at the map
and answer the questions (linguistic and spatial intelligences). Then they work in
pairs and compare their answers (interpersonal intelligence). They also need their
own spatial intelligence to locate the right information on the map. After eliciting
answers from students, I show a video I took at the MGM studio. Students can
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences and Its Application in EFL Classrooms 41
indicates that the missing word is a verb in the present perfect tense. In addition, I
usually do not give away answers immediately after listening to the CD. Instead I
elicit all the answers from students. When their response is wrong, I start writing a
few letters as a hint. Then they seem to come up with the correct answer. This
music activity helps students develop their linguistic, musical, logical-
mathematical, intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligences.
Conclusion
Richards and Rodgers (2001) say that using MI in classrooms help students
become more well-rounded persons and more effective language learners. As I
indicated previously, focusing on one intelligence, such as linguistic, in language
classrooms does not seem to help students improve their foreign language
competence, since some students do not possess high linguistic intelligence. If
that happens, some students with low linguistic intelligence may lose their
motivation for studying English and end up having a negative attitude toward
learning a foreign language.
Putchta and Rinvolucri (2005) said,
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