Gardner's Theory of Intelligences Can Benefit the Classroom

There are many theories on the way children learn, and they can all be helpful when trying to become an effective teacher. One well-known theory on education is Gardner's theory on intelligences. Gardner's theory classifies the way students learn into 8 different categories. These theories can amplify how your students learn and how much you reach your students.

I am planning on becoming an art teacher, and I think it is possible to assess knowledge on the topic of art using many of Gardner's intelligences. Gardner theorized that there were eight forms of intelligences, and they are linguistic intelligence, logical mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, and naturalist intelligence. Linguistic intelligence pertains to words, logical intelligence pertains to numbers and reasoning, spatial intelligence relates to pictures and visual stimulation, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence relates to bodily movements, musical intelligence pertains to music and patterns, interpersonal intelligence relates to understanding people, intrapersonal development relates to understand ones self, and naturalist intellegience relates to nature.

Naturalist intelligence can help asses the qualities of nature in relation to art, and it can help determine natural ways of creating art. Musical intelligences can see the patterns of art and help incorporate music into an art lesson. Music can also be compared to art to establish the mood and emotion behind a piece. Intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligence is useful well learning art because it can help a student and the class figure out what is behind a piece of art. These intelligences are also useful when critiquing ones own art and the art work of others. Logical-mathematical intelligences are useful in assessing knowledge in relation to art because these intelligences are familiar with formulas and equations which can be helpful in art forms that need proportion and measurements. Linguistic intelligences are also helpful when teaching art because they can help find descriptive words that can help with art lessons as well as creating inspiration and ideas for art work. Slogans and titles can also be easier for linguistic intelligences, and the entire class can benefit from that.

It is important as a teacher to understand the different ways in which students learn. In order to truly reach the students and nurture their natural abilities these intelligences must be maximized. Some may argue that these intelligences are just the subjects student excel in, and these intelligences are natural for students, but they should still be used to increase the potential of the student's learning.