[整理] 多元智能理論(英)

最近涉獵了一些 多元智能理論 (Multiple Intelligence theory)，個人覺得頗為有趣。 整理的資料如下 

Multiple Intelligence theory, Edited by Chung-Han Hsieh

The Multiple Intelligence theory, or so called MI theory, which is proposed by Professor Howard Gardner. He believed that the human beings can have a number of relatively different but interacted intelligence not just only one general intelligence.

(from Harvard Graduate school of Education)

Two Definitions of Intelligence

• 1. From Merriam-Webster Dictionary
  Definition: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying (difficult) situations. (Merriam-Webster Dict.)

• 2. From Professor Howard Gardner:
  Howard Gardner viewed intelligence as 'the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or more cultural setting' (Gardner & Hatch, 1989)

The main idea of Multiple Intelligence theory, MI theory

According to this MI theory, human beings have a number of relatively different but interacted intelligences. This theory is about understanding the intellect and the cognitive aspects of the human mind. It also criticized the traditional intelligence standards for the narrow psychological aspect; in other words, MI theory is against the traditional single intelligence standard such as the general IQ test.

Why is it so influential?

Many educators and teachers, based on their teaching experiences, tend to apply the MI theory’s idea to teaching their students because this theory successfully provides a guideline to find out the intelligence of different students in different ways. These educators believe that everyone can be educated to achieve certain level of intelligence by using an appropriate way.

 Professor Gardner's perspectives:

• the intelligence of human beings is domain-specific, which means each person has their own special intelligence on certain subjects
• Every people have at least 8 or 9 different type intelligence and it provides in more details than just one single IQ score.
• People can be educated to achieve certain level intelligence.
• Intelligence has multiple display ways. EX: Even the twins does not hold the same intelligence
• The Multiple intelligence theory is not used for determining the type of intelligence of people, but for recognizing the type of intelligence of people.

Merit of MI theory (educations & some examples)

• Students are likely to become more engaged in learning as they match their intelligence strengths.
• Every learner is unique. Each student is seen as an individual with his or her own strengths and weaknesses.
• A good possibility for teacher to guide, identify, celebrate their students intelligence.
• Students may be motivated and confident when using an intelligence they know is one of their strengths.

How to apply the MI theory-One Example

In 1998 Nicholsen–Nelson suggested one approach to applying MI theory in language teaching:

1. Play to your student's strengths.If your student is good a specific intelligence then you should structure the learning material to this strength.
2.  Variety is the spice of life. Try to let every student participate in as many different intelligences during the lesson as possible.
3. Pick a tool suited for the job.Language has many different dimensions, aspects or functions. These different facets could be linked to the most appropriate intelligence.
4. One size fits all.Everyone has to participate in all the exercises to make sure that their use all their Intelligences. The multiple intelligences approach aims to develop the whole person and not just enhance already high intelligences.
5. Me and my people.Be aware that different cultures value different intelligences. Western culture with its IQ test has a biased view on the intelligences. Language learning in particular needs to increase more than the students' IQ and is also a progress of understanding, communication and culture.

Criticism of MI theory

1. lack of evidence or empirical support with certain systematic researches
2. It's NOT new. Critics of MI theory maintain that Gardner's work isn't groundbreaking -- that what he calls "intelligences" are primary abilities that educators and cognitive psychologists have always acknowledged.
3. It isn't well defined. Some critics wonder if the number of "intelligences" will continue to increase. These opposing theorists believe that notions such as bodily-kinesthetic or musical ability represent individual aptitude or talent rather than intelligence. Critics also believe that M.I. theory lacks the rigor and precision of a real science. Gardner claims that it would be impossible to guarantee a definitive list of intelligences.
4. It's culturally embedded. M.I. theory states that one's culture plays an important role in determining the strengths and weaknesses of one's intelligences. Critics counter that intelligence is revealed when an individual must confront an unfamiliar task in an unfamiliar environment.
5. It defeats National Standards. Widespread adoption of multiple intelligence pedagogy would make it difficult to compare and classify students' skills and abilities across classrooms.
6. It is idealized and impractical. Educators faced with overcrowded classrooms and lack of resources see multiple intelligence theory as utopian.

Potential Abused part

• Using MI theory as the only one instruction rule
• Using MI theory to tag student.

  References

1. “FAQ – Multiple Intelligences and Related Educational Topics”–howardgardner.com
2.  “Theory of Multiple Intelligences” – Wikipedia.
3.  Howard Gardner, "Multiple Intelligences and education” – infed.org
4. “Education World:Multiple Intelligences: A Theory for Everyone” – educationworld.com
5. “21 years later, Multiple Intelligences Still Debated” – Washington Post
6. “Summary of the Criticism of Multiple Intelligences” – mdecgateway.org
7.  Lynn Waterhouse, “Multiple Intelligences, the Mozart Effect, and Emotional Intelligence : A Critical Review” (2006) 
8.  “Multiple Intelligences”, –The Wiki of English Teaching.
9.  “Are there Multiple intelligence” ?