a theory of intelligence that characterizes human intelligence as having
multiple dimensions that must be acknowledged and developed in educa-
tion. Conceptions of intelligence that dominated earlier in the twentieth
century, particularly through the influence of the Stanford–Binet IQ test,
were based on the idea that intelligence is a single, unchanged, inborn
capacity. Advocates of MI argue that there are other equally important
intelligences, found in all people in different strengths and combinations.
MI thus belongs to the group of instructional philosophies that focus on the
differences between learners and the need to recognize learner differences
in teaching. The theory of MI is based on the work of the psychologist
Gardner who posits 8 intelligences:
1 Linguistic: the ability to use language in special and creative ways, which
is something lawyers, writers, editors and interpreters are strong in.
2 Logical/mathematical: this involves rational thinking and is often found
with doctors, engineers, programmers and scientists.
3 Spatial: this is the ability to form mental models of the world and is
something architects, decorators, sculptors and painters are good at.
4 Musical: a good ear for music, as is strong in singers and composers.
5 Bodily/kinesthetic: having a well co-ordinated body is something found
in athletes and craftspersons.
6 Interpersonal: this refers to the ability to be able to work well with
people and is strong in salespeople, politicians and teachers.
7 Intrapersonal:the ability to understand oneself and apply one’s talent
successfully, which leads to happy and well adjusted people in all areas
of life.
8 Naturalist:refers to those who understand and organize the patterns of
nature.
The theory of multiple intelligences has been applied both in general
education as well as in langage teaching, where an attempt is made to
provide learning activities that build on learners’ inherent intelligences.multiple questionn
a question with more than one wh-phrase, for example “Who hit who(m)
first?” or “Where and when did you meet?”
multiple regressionn
see regression analysis
multiplier effect n
in teaching and teacher training, a procedure in which a group that have
received training in a particular technique or skill, in turn, teach additional
learners. For example a group of teachers who have been trained in the use
multiplier effect