Theory of Multiple Intelligence by Howard Gardner its Educational applications.
Introduction
Howard Gardner was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1943. The theory of multiple intelligence was proposed by Howard Gardner in 1983 as model of intelligence that differenties intelligence into various specific ( primarily sensory ) modalities, rather than seeing it as dominated by a single general ability. Howard Gardner believes that eight abilities meet these the criteria such as spatial, linguistic, logical-mathematical, Bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, natural and existential.
Theory of Multiple Intelligence by Howard Gardner
Spatial is individual's ability to understand in depth the relationship between objects in space and to create a leap of imagination to create something creative and hard as the others. They are also able to create a mental picture and try to observe the world with good visual and intelligent linking of objects in space. As such, they are sensitive to color, line, shape, pattern and space in their environment. It allows them to make the perception of the environment accurately, as well as the ability to think in three dimensions in the form of representation and imagination. Individuals with this intelligence are interested in doing activities such as drawing, painting, getting to know the line color scheme, shape and space, creating a mental image, active imagination, resulting in maps, charts, drawings and prefer to manage the map.
Second is linguistic. The ability to use language and words to communicate something effectively whether orally or in writing. Individuals or students who have the intelligence is able to understand the complex language and more sensitive to a word. They have the skills to manipulate sentences, grammar, or structure of language, phonology (speech sounds), sematic (meaning language), pragmatics (language use) as well as a good and proper pronunciation. They are able to communicate better than others and have high language skills. It allows them comfortable with the language-related activities such as reading, writing essays, making poetry, sort of words, stories, jokes, listening, speaking, and very easy to memorize a short song or verse. This makes them easier to accept the process of learning to listen and verbalisition.
Thirdly is logical-mathematical. The ability to recognize numbers, reasoning, abstract patterns and identify cause and effect relationship. This dominant skills in the left side of the brain allows students who have this intelligence as a deductive and inductive reasoning as well as conceptual and abstract thinking. This intelligence also involves scientific and heuristic thinking. This makes the deductive reasoning of students have this intelligence is said to be able to solve complex problems related to the arithmetic is simple. They also make a connection, classify, question, analyze, synthesize, calculating, testing hypotheses and using a computer with fastely. Usually they will find a logical solution of every question. They love the game that allows them to think actively, such as playing chess, puzzles or activities in the form of exploration.
Bodily –kinesthetic, The ability to use part or all of their bodies to communicate and solve problems. Intelligence related to movement and physical skills such as coordination of the body, balance, agility and flexibility of the body. Individuals with this intelligence used the body to express their feelings and their ideas. In addition, they are also able to manipulate physical objects and physical and mental balance. Thus they tend to perform activities related to the physical as dancing, rhythmic gymnastics, physical activity, physical training and sports.
Musical, This intelligence is beneficial for a person to interpret the shape and manipulate the sounds or voice in creative ways. They are very sensitive to sounds and voices that exist around them, such as music from musical instruments and human voices. Also, nonverbal sounds, the sounds of nature such as animal sounds, thunder, water, wind and other natural sounds in the world. They are also able to use elements of music, rhythm and tempo of composing music, playing an instrument, easy to remember tones and music and could memorize the lyrics very well. According to Howard Gardner, there is a parallel relationship between musical and linguistic intelligences. For example, individuals with this intelligence to compose the words of a song, smart bounce a song with a good tone, how to use musical vocabulary and sensitivity to rhyme, beats, melodies and colors the voice in the composition of a song. According to Gardner Howard again, everyone has musical intelligence, but only those with deep musical intelligence will be able to appreciate music that is around them and can use the experience of music in their lives.
Interpersonal is This area has to do with interaction with others. In theory, people who have a high interpersonal intelligence tend to be exrovert, characterized by their sensitivity to others' moods, feelings, temperaments and motivations, and their ability to cooperate in order to work as part of a group. They communicate effectively and empathize easily with others, and may be either leaders or followers. They typically learn best by working with others and often enjoy discussion and debate.
Intrapersonal, This area has to do with introspective and self-reflective capacities. People with intrapersonal intelligence are intuitive and typically introverted. They are skillful at deciphering their own feelings and motivations. This refers to having a deep understanding of the self; what your strengths/ weaknesses are, what makes you unique, being able to predict your own reactions/emotions. Careers which suit those with this intelligence include philosophers, psychologists, theologians, lawyers, and writers. People with intrapersonal intelligence also prefer to work alone. In the context of education in the schools, students are more comfortable with this intelligence in isolation at the library and go in-depth reflection and meditated in a quiet environment. These students usually have features such as tend to exhibit the ability to self-reliant, more like to be alone to pursue certain goals, hobbies, or a project and have a closed personality.
Naturalistic, The ability to identify, classify patterns, patterns or shapes in the environment and the use of environmental features. Individuals who have this intelligence is very sensitive to their surroundings and they can classify the flora, fauna and minerals easily. They are also very comfortable to be with an open environment such as beaches, mountains and forest and spend the time off by listening to the sounds of nature found in the environment. Precisely they belong to the environmentalists, they are very sensitive iatu with global environmental issues, humanitarian issues and life. Student who possess intelligence will be more effective if it provides activities for learning outside the classroom.
Existential, some proponents of multiple intelligence theory proposed spiritual or religious intelligence as a possible additional type. Gardner did not want to commit to a spiritual intelligence, but suggested that an "existential" intelligence may be a useful construct. The hypothesis of an existential intelligence has been further explored by educational researcher. Ability to contemplate phenomena or questions beyond sensory data, such as the infinite and infinitesimal. Careers or callings which suit those with this intelligence include shamans, priests, mathematicians, physicists, scientists, cosmologists and philosophers.
Theory of Multiple Intelligence in Educational applications
There are many talented students who are less motivated to go to school and not interested in learning activities in class. Many factors cause this happen. Among the factors that must be taken into account is the weakness of teachers in schools that only focus on cognitive aspects, namely the verbal-linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical and intelligence space during the learning process took place. While the non-cognitive intelligence such as musical intelligence, kinesthetic, interpersonal and intrapersonal rarely assessed by teachers at school. Teachers do not appreciate the diversity of intelligence possessed by students. Thus the multiple intelligences by Howard Gardner is very important in teaching and learning process to overcome the shortcomings and weaknesses in the existing educational system. The theory of multiple intelligences has helped the teachers.
The theory of multiple intelligences to help teachers in understanding the factors that enable or prevent the development of intelligence. This concept is important because teachers will be able to identify factors that activate and prevent the intelligence, ability and talent that is influenced by life experiences of a student. So the knowledge of this theory will help teachers create and provide experiences that can trigger a latent intelligence within a student and further enhancement of intelligence to the next level.
The theory of multiple intelligences is to help teachers in diversifying teaching and learning methods to produce students who are creative and innovative, have high self-esteem, knowledge and expertise in various fields. All the information and knowledge delivered by teachers need new approach with the assistance of various educational technology such as internet facilities. If teachers do not diversify their teaching methods, perhaps some students will feel bored because the teaching method is not consistent with the trend, interests, and the way they process information.
The theory of multiple intelligences also helps teachers to understand that teaching methods that teachers can develop a variety of different intelligences. For example, by providing work assignments in groups or pairs can improve the intelligence interpersonal and verbal-linguistic. Students will be able to understand the feelings, habits, motivations and intentions of others through interaction with each other directly. They are also able to communicate well through activities that require them to listen and speak and work groups can develop their social skills and communication.
The theory of multiple intelligences to help provide a memorable learning and help student learn better. According to this theory, when the teacher can provide a simple learning capital and compact and can be understood by all of the students who have different types and different levels of intelligence, then students will be interested to learn every day.
The theory of multiple intelligences requires teachers to give instruction and guidance to students on how to make full use of intelligence in them. When teachers integrate multiple intelligences theory into their teaching, in turn open the minds of students and make them realize the tendencies and intelligence that they have because sometimes some students do not realize the potential they have within themselves. Therefore, teachers will identify the interest and the right approach so that students can learn more effectively. If students have a strong interest in learning anything, then this will give very positive.
The theory of multiple intelligences to help students improve their confidence. When a teacher can make a student aware of its tendency in a kind of intelligence, so they do not have to feel inferior if they are weak in other areas. For example, if there are students who are weak in logical-mathematical intelligence, or verbal-linguistic, they need not feel inferior because they may have kinesthetic intelligence or spatial or naturalist or intrapersonal and others that can not be assessed in examinations
Conclusion
Gardner argues that there is a wide range of cognitive abilities and that there are only very weak correlations between these. For example, the theory predicts that a child who learns to multiply easily is not necessarily generally more intelligent than a child who has more difficulty on this task. Every students have their own intelligence. The intelligence should use for goodness and to help another people. The theory of Multiple Intelligence is very important to know especially teachers. Teacher need refers to theory of Multiple Intelligence in their teaching. It will help student learn better.
References
Suppiah Nachiappan, Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin, Abd. Aziz Abd Shukor, Ramlah Jantan, Rosalinda Mustapha & Hazalizah Hamzah ( 2009 ) Pembelajaran dan Perkembangan Pelajar. Tanjong Malim : Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.
Theory of Multiple Intelligence, obtained on November 21, 2011 from http:// www. Infed.org / thinkers/ gardner.htm.
Theory_of_Multiple_Intelligences, obtained on November 21, 2011 from http://en. wikipedia