How Am I Smart? The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences

I may be a genius at math; you may have what it takes to be a playwright. I may be able to find my way home from Toledo without a map; you may be able to juggle four ping pong balls and a watermelon. I might remember every detail of my wedding day; you might be a gifted pianist.

We all have our own talents, preferences — and intelligences. Contrary to the conception that we all lie at some exact point on a single line between smart and dumb, we actually are all smart in our own ways.

That is the basis of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. It asks the question: "How am I smart?" rather than "How smart am I?"

Harvard University's Bruce Torff (photo) explained the theory to about 230 people at this year's IPD/QuEST Conference, sponsored by WEAC and the Wisconsin Federation of Teachers.

To begin with, Torff says, we must disregard the notion of IQ scores. IQ tests don't measure individual intelligences. They are based on the notion that there is a single measurable intelligence and that, once measured, that intelligence level is unchangeable.

In fact, Torff said, you can't measure multiple intelligences because they work in combinations that can't be separated and replicated on a test. But everyone can increase their intelligences in every category by learning and practicing.

"The intelligences are not fixed at birth," Torff said. "In fact, just the opposite — they are richly developmental."

Linguistics, for example, "explode" at the age of 1. If you play a lot of chess, you strengthen all the intelligences used. And those stronger intelligences will be applied to other activities.

"Your efforts in the classroom have a tremendous impact on the development of intelligences of students who are in there," Torff said. "It doesn't matter what level of intelligences they brought in there."

Basically, Torff said, there are seven multiple intelligences: linguistic, logical/mathematical, spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. He also likes to add an eighth — naturalist.

The biggest advantage of adopting the Theory of Multiple Intelligences in the classroom is that it gives every student a chance to succeed and leads to innovation in teaching.

"It gives teachers more tools to build student success," Torff said.