Howard Gardner

Howard Gardner (b. 1943)

Key Contribution / Core Idea

Introduced the Theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI) — people have different types of intelligence (linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic).

Background / Context

American developmental psychologist. Proposed MI in 1983 to challenge the narrow IQ-focused view of intelligence.

Main Theories / Methods

• Emphasises diverse strengths among students.

• Suggests teaching should engage multiple intelligences where possible.

• Encourages using different media and methods to reach all learners.

Relevance to Modern KS3/4 Teaching

• Popular with teachers seeking differentiation and student engagement.

• Useful in project-based learning, arts integration, and science labs.

• Less directly evidence-based for improving exam results.

How His Ideas Link to Others

• Shares the learner-centred philosophy of Montessori and Dewey.

• Contrasts with Bjorks, Sweller, and Willingham — less experimentally validated.

Strengths and Appeal

• Encourages appreciation of student diversity.

• Sparks creativity and inclusion in the classroom.

Criticisms and Limitations

• Weak empirical support for distinct “intelligences.”

• Can lead to over-labeling students or creating unnecessary complexity.

Legacy / Lasting Influence

• MI theory remains highly influential in teacher training and popular pedagogy.

• Strong cultural and motivational impact, even if not evidence-based.

Further Reading

• Gardner, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1983).