Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences consist of seven intelligences. This is a theory he came up with after doing a research project on the stereotyping of students based on tests scores in schools. He believes that everyone has all these intelligences, but some may be better in two or more intelligences, while they need to work harder on the others. These seven intelligences - linguistic, musical, bodily kinesthetic, logical-mathematical, spatial, interpersonal and intrapersonal - are in all of us. We can do well in all intelligences, but many of us don't even know that these intelligences are a part of us. This theory of multiple intelligences will educate us about how we can do better on tests and be able to solve problems with the use of these skills. .
Schools educators would do better if they keep Gardner's theory in mind, especially when it comes to test scores with each child. Teachers play a very important part in a child's development educationally, socially, and mentally. Children depend on teachers in making their necessary steps towards being successful in life. As teachers, they have a responsibility to set these standardized tests for their subjects. These tests should measure a child's ability of how much he or she understood from the material that was taught as well as to measure the child's level of knowledge of the subject against other children his or her age. Teachers should take Gardner's theory in mind, and realize that some students may do better than others, depending on a child's background and family values. Using Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences may make setting a test more difficult, but it won't be based just on trying to have scores to determine a child's success in the future. .
It is very important for each individual student to know his or her strengths and weaknesses. If we should adopt Gardner's theory about multiple intelligences, then we would be aware of the intelligences that we are strong in and the areas that we need to work on.
