Multiple Intelligences

Amanda Pereda
I chose to read a journal article about Multiple Intelligences. The article was
based on the authors feeling that Multiple Intelligence Theory is the most effective
learning platform for 21st century education. The article explained the nine types of the
multiple intelligences, which are: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical-rhythmic,
bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, naturalist, interpersonal, intrapersonal and existential. The
article talks a lot about how multiple intelligences take a persons individual differences
into account for determining intelligence and not just the consensus-driven concept that
everyone believes is so cut and dry. This thought also includes the fact that standardized
testing cannot tap into the expanse of human potential and that a lot of times people may
be labeled un-intelligent because of these tests.
The article also talks a great deal about how important Multiple Intelligences is in
the classroom and what a great impact it has on teaching and learning. Because of
Multiple Intelligences, teachers should be more aware and be able to tell what
intelligence category students fall into. Because our society is so diverse and each
classroom has an array of students with different abilities, Multiple Intelligences Theory
can help schools expand their curriculum and develop better assessments that truly show
a childs intelligence. The article also explains that there is, of course, some negativity
that surrounds Multiple Intelligences. This negativity has to do with people believing
that Multiple Intelligences reinforces negativity in schools and promotes stereotypes that
limit learners. Also, some believe that focusing on the Intelligence that a student has

limits them from trying or learning new things and this is a problem because education is
about developing a range of abilities in different areas.
Personal Reflection
When we read about Multiple Intelligences in the book, it caught my attention. I
think that it is a great theory and after reading the article, I like it even more. I learned a
lot more about Multiple Intelligences in the sense of what effect that they have on a
classroom. Of course, every student has a different way of learning and Multiple
Intelligences looks deeper into that statement and can determine exactly what
intelligence a person has. After reading the entire article, I still think that Multiple
Intelligences is a great theory and can do a lot for the educational world, but I did start to
think more about children getting stereotyped after that was discussed. I think that as
long as students are being taught many different subjects like schools do now, then this
can be avoided. I also think and hope that teachers promote students trying to learn
things that are out of their comfort zone. As children grow up, they change and learning
styles change as well so it is important to still provide a well-rounded educational
experience.
I do think that the author has a great point in saying that Multiple Intelligences
can prove a childs knowledge better than standardized testing. I believe this because
since children all learn differently and show this knowledge differently, it is extremely
hard to rely fully on standardized testing as a basis of intelligence. It was also great to
focus on one theory and think of all of the positives and negatives that this theory offers
in education. I will say that I really enjoyed reading the journal article and I think the

author did a great job at explaining Multiple Intelligences and getting across his point that
it is the most effective platform for 21st century education.
References
McFarlane, D. A. (2011). Multiple Intelligences: The Most Effective Platform for Global
21st Century Educational and Instructional Methodologies. C