Multiple Intelligences - Howard Gardner (1943 - )

When I began studying to become an educational psychologist, I became aware of the two top choices I had; Behaviorist Psychology or Cognitive Psychology. For me, it was an easy choice, Cognitive. I believe that Cognitive Psychology is more humanistic. I may pick up a discussion on that issue some time but first I want to discuss some of the interesting theories that came along with and are related to Cognition Psychology, e.g., Interaction Analysis, Questioning Strategy, and Moral Development.

This week, we’re going to take a look at Howard Gardner’s theory on Multiple Intelligences. Howard Gardner came along much later than the Golden Age. He was inspired by Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, and Jerome Bruner. His work gives us an insight into what we have been doing and a structure that helps us define our coaching and teaching behaviors.

His theory was introduced in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Until that time, intelligence had to do with only our mental ability, Intelligence, which can be measured with an instrument called the Stanford-Binet IQ Test. Gardner simply stated that there are other intelligences and initially specified that there are seven intelligences (plus two later). These intelligences are universal; that is, they can be found as integral parts of the learning cultures all over the world.

The theory has become popular among educators, because it validates our everyday experiences in our classrooms and at our sports venues. We see how much kids vary in terms of how they learn and how they utilize that knowledge. Creative thinking and activity is encouraged.

I find it useful in teaching one of my college courses; Introduction to Educational Psychology. It gives my students an overview, a gestalt view, of the topic to consider. It has them consider that the students they are teaching are more than numbers on an Achievement test or an IQ test. It could even lead to some introspection and self-awareness on their part.

Here’s a list of the original seven intelligences and a brief idea of how these can be used in coaching and teaching your kids:

1. Verbal/Linguistic -- learning from the written or spoken word. People who learn best in this intelli­gence love to read and write. They like knowing the derivation of words. If you have these, you’re lucky. They learn fast and accurately. All of your kids need to learn the meanings of specific words in your sport; e.g. dribble, pass, foul in basketball. Make sure that what you say and what they hear are the same.

2. Logical/Mathematical -- cognitive and rational learning. People who learn best in this intelligence love to consider facts, statistics, research, compar­isons, problem solving, mathematical equations, distances, and maps. Your players who have the ability to think conceptually and abstractly, to discern logical patterns will make good captains and leaders. They usually are fast and accurate learners - and very well organized..

3. Visual/Spatial -- learning through seeing, either lit­erally or imaginatively. People who learn best in this intelligence love to view things: pictures, maps, slides, videos. For them, if they can see something, they can understand it more clearly. Some players already use imagery in learning their skills; a simple example is lining up your putt in golf. They see things in their “mind's eye.” Most players can learn to use imagery.

4. Musical/Rhythmic -- encouraging learning through any form of musical ability, such as hear­ing tones and keeping rhythm. People who learn best in this intelligence love to learn through music. Your kids who love music will have their own recording instruments, e.g. headphones. It improves their relaxation and concentration. Sometimes it’s hard to get their attention, but when you do they are usually fast learners.

5. Body/Kinesthetic -- learning through your body and senses. People who learn best in this intelli­gence need to move and/or manipulate objects. They like to mold and shape and create with their hands. They like to feel, smell, taste, and touch. These are your natural players. They are the easiest to coach because playing the games are already their life's work - and their life’s fun..

6. Interpersonal -- learning through interacting with others. People who learn best in this intelligence work in the concept of synergy--together we are better than any one of us alone. They love to work in pairs or groups. Learning happens through dia­logue or working together. These players love team sports. They instinctively know what teamwork means.

7. Intrapersonal -- learning by focusing inward. Peo­ple whose preferred learning style is in this intelli­gence work best alone. They need time to reflect and consider. Do not expect quick answers from them. Their silence does not mean they are not learning. It means they are taking time to process information and to make it real for them. They often have profound ideas when allowed to think things through at their own pace. Give these players time and space - it will be worth it. Don’t be surprised when they come back to the next practice with everything worked out. They are usually both good followers and good leaders.

Later, Gardner added the eight intelligence Naturalist and the ninth intelligence Existential to his list. You may want to check them out. I don’t see good connections with these and coaching/learning.