The Essential Guide to Multiple Intelligences in India

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First Crayon

8 min readJun 2, 2017

Multiple Intelligences is a new concept in the Indian early education system. The methodology is based on the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Each school adapts it to their own curriculum with the objective of creating well-rounded children. It seeks to identify the child’s inherent intelligence or potential to impart the education that is best suited to a child’s unique needs. It is not a curriculum or a defined pedagogy. In Mumbai, 1 in every 7 preschools apply some form of Multiple Intelligences in their teaching process.

You might have seen or heard the term on Facebook/Whatsapp chat groups, interactions with a principal, conversation with another parent, or in the name of an institute. But what does all of it mean for you and your child? We answer this and other important questions over the next 10 minutes

What is Multiple Intelligences?

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences is a learning philosophy that was developed by Howard Gardner in 1983 and published in his book ‘Frames of Mind’. The book was intended for debate and further understanding of human intelligence. However, his observations in the sphere of education caught the attention of educators around the world. They incorporated it into learning styles which would identify the potential of each child across the various intelligences. This would mean that every child was treated as capable and intelligent, rather than setting rigid standards of what defined intelligence and alienating some children.

He listed 7 intelligences in his first book ‘Frames of Mind’ (1983) and then added two more in his book ‘Intelligence Reframed’ (1999). These are the 9 intelligences that are prevalent in each individual:

Linguistic Intelligence is the ability to use language effectively as a means of learning and expressing oneself. It has been linked to improved problem solving and increased abstract reasoning. It is often seen in writers and poets.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence is the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically. It is demonstrated through complex problem solving and ease of mathematical operations. It is often seen in scientists, researchers and innovators.
Musical Intelligence is the capacity to perform, compose and appreciate music. It involves the ability to recognize musical tones, pitches and rhythms. It is often seen in singers, composers and musicians.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence implies a disposition to use body movements to solve problems or perform activities. It is often seen in athletes and sportspersons.
Spatial Intelligence is the capacity to understand space, including three dimensional images and shapes. It is often seen in architects and engineers.
Interpersonal Intelligence is the ability to understand relationships involving moods, intentions and desires of other people. It is often seen in leaders and managers.
Intrapersonal Intelligence is the ability to understand the self, including analyzing emotions, feelings, strengths and weaknesses. It is often seen in psychologists and therapists.
Naturalist Intelligence involves the understanding of the natural world and the ecosystem, especially the behavior and lifecycle of living beings. It is often seen in zoologists, conservationists and farmers.
Existential Intelligence is a deeper evaluation of self. It showcases the individual’s capacity and sensitivity to tackle deep questions about human existence. It is observed in theologians and clergymen.

Gardner has also alluded to adding Pedagogical Intelligence, which is the ability of an individual to impart learning to others.

Schools today include the Multiple Intelligences theory in their curriculum to ensure the all-round development of each child. There is no governing body which certifies the Multiple Intelligences curriculum or pedagogy in schools. Howard Gardner himself is not involved in creating a Multiple Intelligences curriculum either.

The onus of creating an emergent curriculum is on the teachers. They need to understand each child’s personality and interest individually in order to impart the best education. It is suggested that teachers diversify their teaching styles to incorporate all the intelligences.

Who is Howard Gardner?

Howard Earn Gardner is an American developmental psychologist who developed the Multiple Intelligences Theory. Gardner was born on July 11, 1943 in Pennsylvania, America. He excelled in academics as well as playing the piano. Gardner graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Social Relations and worked with the Boston Veterans Administration Hospital, during which period he penned his famous book. It was only after ‘Frames of Mind’ was published that he started working with the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Today, Gardner is involved in Harvard’s ‘Good Work Project’ which focuses on good work, good play and good collaboration. The goal is to identify the means to achieve work that one can excel at, while staying engaged and ethical.

He is actively involved in other education projects as well. Gardner also travels around the world to speak about the Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

What is the current state of Multiple Intelligences in India?

Only three decades old, the Theory of Multiple Intelligences is a new entrant to the pedagogical universe. In India, a few schools have accepted Multiple Intelligences as a learning methodology in the last decade, including the Indus International Schools, GEAR Foundation and several preschools.

Notably, XSEED, a private company, is making a difference in school education in India based on this theory. The founder, Ashish Rajpal, is a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Mind, Brain and Education Program, which was pioneered by Howard Gardner and his colleagues. XSEED provides the tools and training to integrate the Multiple Intelligences theory with existing curriculums (CBSE, ICSE, State etc.)

How does Multiple Intelligences make a difference to the child?

Multiple Intelligences programs develop their curriculum by engaging with children on each one of their intelligences. For example, knowledge of birds is taught through drawing birds, singing a bird song, jumping like a bird, reading of a story or writing an essay. Here is how this approach directly benefits the learning of a child:

Improved discipline: Low attention span is a major issue in classrooms. By involving students based on their preferred intelligence, teachers find that children give more attention to the task at hand. This leads to systematic and disciplined classrooms.
Learning new skills: Multiple Intelligences theory does not alienate or elevate one intelligence from the others. In classrooms, children are motivated to learn all skills and develop their own strengths.
Improved self-esteem: Students are in a position to showcase their strengths. Lack of a single skill does not lead them to be slotted as ‘academically weak’. This increases self-esteem leading to more interest and stronger overall development.
Perceived fairness: Multiple Intelligences theory is rooted in the concept that everyone has a talent that is valuable in the real world. This is replicated in the classroom as well, where both the singer and the dancer in a song are appreciated.

What are the criticisms of Multiple Intelligences?

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences is a widely criticized pedagogy, with some not considering it a pedagogy at all. Howard Gardner himself has stated that “I always maintained that I was a psychologist and not an educator. I did not presume to know how best to teach a class of young persons or run an elementary or secondary school or, for that matter, to design a program in a children’s museum or a science museum”.

Here we have highlighted some of the criticisms of the Multiple Intelligences theory:

Abilities or intelligences: Psychologists question if the intelligences are very different from abilities or skills of a child to perform exceptionally in various spheres. The concept of abilities and traits are well researched and already accepted. Renaming them as intelligences does not do any additional service.
Cultural context: The Multiple Intelligences theory believes that intelligences depend on the cultural background of the child. However, psychologists maintain that intelligence is revealed when the individual is faced with an unfamiliar task in an unfamiliar environment.
Lack of testing: There is no common testing platform to evaluate the various intelligences of a child. Moreover, intelligences like interpersonal and intrapersonal are difficult to define.
General versus Multiple Intelligences: Till date, IQ is tested on the concept of general intelligence. Several studies have also shown that those individuals with higher general intelligence also perform well across other intelligences.
Implementation in mainstream education: It can be difficult to implement Multiple Intelligences in classrooms with large numbers. It might lead to duplication of effort to teach the same concepts and hinder the overall pace of learning.

How is Multiple Intelligences different from other methods?

There are over 100 suggested methods of teaching. The most popular ones in India are PlayWay, Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Multiple Intelligences Theory.

We will be bringing out more in-depth articles on learning for young children. Do follow us on Medium to stay updated.

Are there any Multiple Intelligences training institutes in India?

1] The Multiple Intelligences Institute is a private organization led by leading educators in the field of Multiple Intelligences. They conduct online certification courses for Multiple Intelligences in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle & High School Education. You can find more information here.

2] School Of Educators (SOE) conducts a distance learning Diploma Program in Multiple Intelligences in Classroom and Blooms Taxonomy (MIB) through online and postal channels. You can find more information here.

3] The Achievers Programme (TAP) is a private organization based in India. It has partnered with UK-based MAW Education to bring experts in Multiple Intelligences education to India. It conducts regular teaching workshops and certification programs. You can find more information here.

If you know details of any other reputable institutes which conduct training in Multiple Intelligences, please share the details in the comments.