Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What are multiple intelligences?
A:
In 1983 Dr. Howard Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences that states there is more than one type of intelligence. The list of intelligences is based upon specific criteria and continues to evolve over time. The intelligences found within MI Advantage are: bodily-kinesthetic, existential, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, naturalist and spatial.
Q:
What criteria is used to define an intelligence?
A:
Dr. Howard Gardner defined the criteria for an intelligence as:
- the potential for brain isolation by brain damage,
- its place in evolutionary history,
- the presence of core operations,
- susceptibility to encoding (symbolic expression),
- a distinct developmental progression,
- the existence of savants, prodigies and other exceptional people,
- support from experimental psychology and psychometric findings
Source: Wikipedia
Q:
Is there any research on schools using multiple intelligences?
A:
Project SUMIT (Schools Using Multiple Intelligences Theory) studied 42 schools that had been using MI theory for at least three years. The researchers found that:
- 78% of the schools reported positive standardized test outcomes (5/8 attributed the improvement to practices inspired by MI theory).
- 78% of the schools reported improved performances by students with learning difficulties.
- 80% of the schools reported improvement in parent participation (3/4 attributed the increase to MI theory).
- 81% of the schools reported improvement in student discipline (2/3 attributed the improvement to MI theory).
According to Howard Garner, “Even if these figures show a positive spin, they are based on hard data; and it is not possible for an impartial party to dismiss these results.”
