MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES
Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory really challenges the way we traditionally think about intelligence. For a long time, intelligence was mostly measured by IQ tests, as if there were just one way to be “smart.” But Gardner’s theory opens up a whole new perspective: intelligence isn’t just about math or language; it’s about a range of abilities like understanding people, being aware of nature, or creating music. According to Gardner, there are at least eight types of intelligence, and he even suggests a ninth one focused on life’s big questions—existential intelligence. What really stands out is how this theory can change education. MI encourages teaching that respects different learning styles. For instance, schools in Norway use outdoor activities for students who find it hard to sit still, turning their need for movement into an advantage. In China, MI fits well with a view of intelligence that sees each student as part of a larger family and community, showin...