Few individuals--whether scholars or laypersons--think that the words "smart" or "intelligent" suffice to characterize a person's intellectual strengths. In this article, the author reviews a set of terms commonly used to characterize intellectual strengths and then introduces the concept of "synthesizing"--an…

Howard Gardner's longtime interest in the range of human capacities and talents was facilitated by his leadership role in the Bernard Van Leer Foundation "Project on Human Potential" carried out at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1979-1985. In this reflective essay, Gardner describes his early studies of human potential and…

As someone who has dabbled in biography and autobiography, the author knows how difficult it is to determine what really happened and why. Even people who agree on the sequence of events, and describe them similarly, may end up creating quite different narratives of a given life. Intellectual autobiography may be somewhat less problematic, because…

Describes a new theory of multiple intelligences (MI) that identifies seven relatively independent forms of information processing that individuals exhibit in differing patterns. Describes the following MI-related educational research projects: (1) Arts PROPEL; (2) the Key School project; and (3) Project Spectrum. (FMW)

This paper presents the theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI) and analyzes its potential impact on education. MI pluralizes the traditional concept of intelligence from logical and linguistic problem solving to a set of abilities, talents, or mental skills called Intelligences. An Intelligence entails the ability to solve problems or fashion…

The preceding article by Robert Sternberg implicitly accepts the idea that there is a single human potential called "intelligence" that is scientifically measurable. Human beings do not possess any such generalized intelligence, however. Instead, each person possesses a mix of several basic intellectual competencies or…

The multiple intelligence theory is based on cultural contexts, biological analysis, developmental theories, and a vertical theory of faculties. Seven intelligences are identified: linguistic, logical mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. The theory's educational implications are described,…

The Harvard Project Zero research group has been examining the curriculum content issue through the lens of the multiple intelligences (MI) theory, which emphasizes humans' highly varied capacities. This article describes the MI theory, some related research projects, and the theory's implications for elementary and secondary education. Includes…

Debunks several myths that have arisen in schools' misapplication of the author's multiple intelligences (MI) theory. Argues that seven intelligences do not require seven different intelligence tests. An intelligence is a construct, not a domain, discipline, or learning style. MI theory is empirical and compatible with general intelligence theory.…

Discusses misconceptions that half-informed educators might have about the author's theory of multiple intelligences. The seven intelligences are based on explicit criteria and respond to specific real-world content. Educators can assess proficiency, but not intelligence at different tasks. Theories can have infinite numbers of possible…

Counters seven myths about multiple intelligences that have arisen since the author's 1993 book "Frames of Mind" was published with seven complementary "realities." Demonstrates some problematic applications of MI theory in schools and praises three positive applications, including cultivation of desired capabilities, varied…

The article present's Howard Gardner's response to the three preceding commentaries on his book, "Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice." After commenting on some of their specific remarks, the article concludes with a more general discussion of the relationship between psychological theory and educational practice. (SM)

The background and major claims of a new approach to the conceptualization and assessment of human intelligence are presented. The theory of multiple intelligences (MI), proposed in 1983 by H. Gardner, suggests the existence of several relatively autonomous human intelligences. Intelligence is defined as the capacity to solve problems or to…

Leaders possess certain intelligences. They are linguistically gifted; they can tell good stories and usually can write well. They have strong interpersonal skills, have a good intrapersonal sense of their abilities, and can help others address existential questions and feel engaged in meaningful quests. However, intelligence is no guarantor of…

Discusses four issues related to music: (1) music as a form of intelligence and the misconceptions that have arisen; (2) music as a discipline focusing on mastering the discipline of music and obstacles to musicality; (3) a rationale for music education; and (4) the future of music education. (CMK)