Howard Gardner

Howard Earl Gardner is an American cognitive psychologist recognized for his theory known as Multiple Intelligences Theory.
==Personal life==
Howard Earl Gardner was born on July 11, 1943 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Ralph Gardner and Hilde Gardner, German-Jewish refugees who fled Germany in 1938.
Howard Gardner had a brother named Eric who died at age seven in a sledding accident just before Howard's birth. Gardner often reflects on his childhood, his overall Jewish values and the tragic loss of his brother, whom he never got the opportunity to meet. Gardner "had an arduous time relating to his parents as well as his peers, while growing up". As a young child Gardner enjoyed reading and playing the piano.
In 1982, Howard Gardner married Ellen Winner, who is a developmental psychologist. They have four sons and a grandchild (Personality Max, 2024). Gardner loves to spend time with his family as well as to travel.
==Education and Academic Career==
Howard Earl Gardner was raised in a household whereby education was the major focus. His parents believed that education was the key to overall success. He attended Wyoming Seminary, much to the dismay of his parents, as they wanted him to attend a school which was more eminent. Ultimately his parents allowed him to make his own decision, Gardner decided on Wyoming Seminary as it was in close proximity to his home. Gardner then attended Harvard University where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in social relations in 1965.
Gardner attended the London School of Economics from 1965 to 1966. He studied a Course in Philosophy and Sociology. Gardner once again studied at Harvard University, from 1966- 1971, this time, however he acquired his Doctoral Degree in Developmental Psychology. Gardner also attended the Harvard Medical and Boston University Research Centre. He completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship from 1971-1972. Gardner continued to be high achiever throughout his academic life.
Howard Earl Gardner currently works at his alma mater, Harvard University. In 1986-1998, he served as Professor of Education at Harvard. He has been the Chair of the Project Zero Steering Committee since 1995, and was the Co- Director for Project Zero from 1972- 2000. Gardner has also been Senior Director of the Project Zero Committee since 2000. Gardner is also a part time lecturer at Harvard University in the field of Psychology. Gardner is the John H. and the Elizabeth A. Hobbs Tutor at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University (Arizona State University, 2022).
===The link between Multiple Intelligences and how it shapes Instructional Design in classrooms===
Howard Earl Gardner posited the 'Multiple Intelligences Theory' in 1983 at the Harvard Graduate School of Education at the University (Northern Illinois University, 2020). Gardner's work in psychology and cognitive development led to his curiosity in exploring this prominent theory (Northern Illinois University, 2020). Earlier in his theory he proposed that there were six intelligences, however to date there are nine intelligences which are known and, in the future, there is a possibility that more could be added (Northern Illinois, 2020). Multiple Intelligences Theory focuses on the fact that individuals will process information in various ways. Teachers need to employ the use of varying strategies to guarantee that students are grasping learning concepts. The nine multiple intelligences can be used as a guide so that teachers are cognizant of the different students who are in a class setting. The nine intelligences are Verbal-Linguistic, Logical- Mathematical, Spatial-Visual, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Naturalist and Existential.
The nine multiple intelligences can effect great change in a classroom and provide opportunities for children to convey what is being learned. Learners who utilize the Verbal-Linguistic intelligence on a daily basis can use Language to express themselves clearly. They enjoy interacting with others and tend to have a good command of the Language that they do speak (Anglia, 2022). These learners enjoy reading and writing and have an excellent vocabulary. Logical- Mathematical individuals have great reasoning skills, and love to solve mathematical calculations. These individuals are excellent with numbers and enjoy playing games that evokes their reasoning and critical thinking abilities. Visual- Spatial persons enjoy using pictures to interpret information which is being learned. These individuals learn best when pictures or videos are displayed, as they get a better understanding as to what is being taught. They love to draw, are very creative and have a great sense of direction when either driving or walking, as they easily can memorize landmarks. Bodily-Kinesthetic learners, tend to use their bodies to convey how they are feeling. They have great coordination and love using objects when they are learning new concepts. These individuals also tend to love sports and other activities that permit them to be creative with their hands.
Musical learners are capable of hearing sounds and can create mental patterns in their mind which allows them to process information easily. They can get a concept and then invent a song. As Caribbean people Soca, Calypso, Dancehall or Reggae can be used, so that students remember particular concepts. Gracie's Corner, has amazing songs for early childhood students with great beats. These learners thoroughly enjoy anything with music. Individuals with the interpersonal intelligence are very empathetic and sympathetic. These persons are good at reading person's emotions, and are often quite sociable. These are individuals who have a wide circle of friends are very compassionate towards the opinions and behavioural traits of others and love conversing with new people. Intrapersonal individuals are extremely self-aware (Northern Illinois University, 2020). These individuals are very cognizant in truly understanding the feelings of others in addition to themselves, and treating others how they want to be treated. These persons tend to be intrinsically motivated, have boundaries and love to self-reflect. Naturalist learners appreciate nature and learn best when they are amongst natural objects in nature. These individuals love to spend time outside in nature and tends to love animals as well. Individuals who learn best through the Existential intelligence, do a great job of asking thought provoking questions (Northern Illinois University, 2020). Deep questions such as Why do humans exist? Why are we living if God knows already how we will perform on earth? Why do people commit heinous crimes? These are some of the questions that are often pondered by these persons. These individuals tend to be extremely sensitive.
Gardner has stated, "there should be no confusion between the intelligences and learning styles as they are not the same, teachers should use numerous strategies and methods within the classroom environment, so that students can understand concepts". He posited that there was not enough research to prove that when students are paired with their learning style they will learn. He opined that since persons process information differently the intelligences can aid practitioners, in preparing plans which caters to the needs of the different learners in the classroom. Instructional design is the implementation of creating vivid and meaningful real-life experiences which buttresses effective and efficient learning (Association for Talent Development, 2024). The Multiple Intelligences Theory is an effective method which can bring about meaningful change in a class setting as lessons are being prepared for the learners who process information in a variety of ways. It is paramount to note that an individual may have more than one intelligence which is employed on a daily basis. This is why teachers need to plan appropriately so that various learners can comprehend what is being taught.
Gardner has had many critics over the years as they have stated that his theory contains intelligences which appear to be random, however many schools have implemented his approach (Corcho, 2013). Gardner is considered as one of the most living influential beings who has shaped instructional design throughout various areas all over the worlds (Concho, 2013). Gardner's theory has provided students with the possibility to be as creative as they need to be since learning is tailored for them (Concho, 2013). Teachers receive great results when Gardner's theory is employed within the classroom as children are grasping concept easily. Many classrooms have incorporated Gardner's theory into their curricula as evidence has shown how useful his theory is with instructional design.
==Publications==
Howard Gardner has published more than 25 books, many of which have been translated into different Languages (Arizona State University, 2024). One of Gardner's most popular books, 'Frames of Mind', in 1983 discussed his Multiple Intelligences Theory in great detail. This book was quite instrumental as it shifted the common pattern of thinking that children can learn in just a few ways (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2024). Gardner introduced the notion that there are intelligences that exist, and these intelligences account for the way in which information is processed not only by children but adults as well(Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2024). Originally the book mentioned six intelligences however as time passed, to date there are nine intelligences which exist. A list of some of his other books are listed in the APA 7th Edition format below.
* Gardner, H. (2011, December 6). Leading Minds: An Anatomy of Leadership. Basic Books.
* Gardner, H. (2011, March 29). Frames of Mind. 3rd Ed. Basic Books.
* Garden, H. (2011, March 29). The Unschooled Mind: How Children Think and How Schools Should Teach.2nd Ed. Basic Books.
* Gardner, H. (2000, September 1). The Disciplined Mind: Beyond Facts and Standardized Tests, the K-12 Education that Every Child Deserves, Penguin Books.
* Gardner, H. (2000, September 18). Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences For the 21st Century. Basic Books.
* Gardner, H. (1994, January 1). The Arts and Human Development: A Psychological Study of the Artistic Process. Basic Books.
* Gardner, H. (1991, April 10). Open Minds. Basic Books.
* Gardner, H. (1977, January 1). Shattered Mind: Person After Brain Damage. Routledge & Keegan Paul PLC.
Category:American cognitive psychologists
Category:1943 births
Category:American people
Category:People from Scranton, Pennsylvania