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Dr. Howard Gardner, born in Scranton, PA in 1943, is the son of refugees from Nazi Germany. As a child Gardner was studious and played the piano. Since childhood, music held an important place in Gardner's life. Gardner received his secondary education at Harvard University. He trained as a developmental psychologist and later as a neuropsychologist. Gardner researched cognitive and symbol-using capabilities with normal and gifted children, and again with adults suffering from brain damage. His work led him to the development and introduction of his Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Gardner has been heavily involved in school reform efforts and his theory on multiple intelligences is perhaps his greatest contribution to education.

In his 1983 book, Frames of Mind, Gardner presented his Theory of Multiple Intelligences. At the time there were only seven intelligences in Gardner's theory. Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences suggests that this culture and the schools that reflect this culture promote two types of intelligences: linguistic and logical/mathematical. Gardner's theory proposes that there are other kinds of intelligence that are equally important. They include spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence. Dr. Gardner added an eighth in 1996, which he calls naturalist.

Dr. Gardner developed eight criteria for identifying intelligence. First, Gardner suggests that a true intelligence will have its function located within a specific region of the brain. Another criteria explains that highly developed examples of a true intelligence are recorded in rare occurrences. This is the case with prodigies and other exceptional individuals. A third criterion is that there are an identifiable set of practices that are unique to each intelligence. Yet another criteria is that a true intelligence has clear patterns of developmental history being documented within the human mind. other criteria include having an evolutionary history, supported psychological (observable) tasks, supported psychometric (measurable) tasks, and that true intelligences have their own sets of images and symbols that are unique and important to completing certain sets of tasks.

Howard Gardner's eight intelligences are not limited to only the gifted and talented among us. Dr. Gardner instead believes that everyone possesses all of the eight intellects, saying that "although all humans partake of each Intelligence to some degree, certain individuals are said to be 'at promise.'"5

Gardner explains that while IQ tests can often predict academic performance with considerable accuracy, IQ tests are not as reliable indicators of performance within the work place after a formal education. IQ tests only address two of the eight intelligences, logical and linguistic, thus not giving assessment to other capabilities of the human mind.6

The most widely recognized intelligences are the linguistic intelligence and the logical/mathematical intelligence. Linguistic intelligence can be linked to the "Broca's Area" of the brain. This is the area that is responsible for the production of grammatical sentences.7 Linguistic intelligence is characterized by the capacity to utilize words and language effectively, both in oral and written forms. People strong in this intelligence may enjoy writing, reading, word problems, and riddles. Politicians, authors, poets, and even teachers exhibit evidence of this intelligence.8

The logical/mathematical intelligence focuses on problem solving and is often nonverbal in nature. People exhibiting this intelligence work well with numbers and strategy development. Mathematicians and scientists are among the individuals who successfully draw upon this intelligence.9

These two intelligences are commonly assessed in school systems through standardized achievement tests and tests in the classroom, as well as with the aid of homework and projects. However Gardner suggests the possibility, and has documented evidence, of other intelligences. It is evident that these intelligences do exist; in the workplace people often rely on skills that exceed the capacities of math and language skills. Musicians, actors, athletes, journalists, and many others exhibit evidence of one or more of the eight intelligences identified by Gardner.

One of the other intelligences identified by Dr. Gardner is that of the bodily/kinesthetic intelligence. This intelligence is expressed with knowledge of the body and how it moves.10 Athletes, dancers, and actors must have a level of proficiency in this intelligence, as must athletic trainers and doctors. Babe Ruth's use of his pitching ability and Tiger Woods' golfing abilities serve as examples of this intelligence in motion.11

Spatial intelligence is also an important and valuable intelligence that needs to be recognized within our culture. This intelligence involves the ability to mentally visualize objects or scenarios to solve a problem or puzzle. Artists exhibit this intelligence in paintings and photography by paying careful attention to details and color. Even the blind exhibit evidence of spatial intelligence, especially when reading in Braille.12

Gardner also suggests it is possible to have musical intelligence. This intelligence is often characterized by a proficiency in a musical instrument, the ability to read and understand musical notation, or just a simple appreciation of music. The ability to produce music is yet another characteristic of this type of intelligence.13 Mozart and Chopin are just two examples of people with strong musical intelligences.

Two of the intelligences that also are closely related are the interpersonal intelligence and the intrapersonal intelligence.

The interpersonal intelligence is characterized by the understanding of others and their needs. This can involve and understanding of people's moods, motivations, and what drives them. Politicians, teachers, religious leaders, and therapists tend to display this type of intelligence.14

Intrapersonal intelligence is apparent when an individual has knowledge of their emotional range and can draw upon them to understand and guide their behavior. This intelligence interacts with other intelligences in terms of expressing one's self to others through language (linguistic), music (musical), and/or art (spatial). This intelligence also can draw upon the understanding of others (interpersonal) to understand one's self.15

The most recently added intelligence to Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences is that of the naturalist intelligence. This intelligence, added in 1996, has to do with observing, understanding and organizing patterns in nature. People who are sensitive to changes in weather or the environment may also be exhibiting this intelligence. Charles Darwin displayed this intelligence with his theory of evolution and survival of the strongest.16

Dr. Gardner is still working toward school reform with his Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Reform is not always fast in happening but Dr. Howard Gardner is still continuing his research, currently with Harvard's Project Zero of which he is Co-Director. He has published numerous books and articles on the intelligences and other topics, as well as receiving a number or awards and recognitions for his work, including a MacArthur Prize Fellowship in 1981.17

Allen, B. SouthWestern Opportunities Network Education Databank http://www.swopnet.com/ed/TAG/7_Intelligences.html .

Campbell, B. New Horizons for Learning "The Naturalist Intelligence." http://www.newhorizons.org/article_eightintel.html . 1997.

Gardner, H. Project Zero Web Site http://pzweb.harvard.edu/Pis/HG.htm . March 2000.

Gardner, H. and Walters, J. "The Development and Education of Intelligences." In Essays on the Intellect. Edited by Link, F. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Alexandria, VA. 1985. pp 1-21.