Howard Gardner: A Biography of the Influential Psychologist

Howard Gardner is a renowned psychologist and professor of education at Harvard University. He is best known for his theory of multiple intelligences, which posits that humans possess multiple types of intelligence, rather than a single, general intelligence. Gardner’s work has had a profound impact on the fields of education, psychology, and cognitive science, and he has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for his contributions. In this article, we will explore Gardner’s life and work, and examine the impact of his theory on modern education.

Early Life and Education

Howard Gardner was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1943. He was the youngest of four children, and his parents were both schoolteachers. Gardner attended Harvard University as an undergraduate, where he studied social relations and psychology. He went on to earn a PhD in developmental psychology from Harvard in 1971.

Career and Research

Gardner began his career as an assistant professor of education at Harvard in 1971. In the early 1980s, he began to develop his theory of multiple intelligences. His theory proposed that humans possess multiple types of intelligence, rather than a single, general intelligence. He identified eight distinct intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic.

Gardner’s theory has been highly influential in the fields of education, psychology, and cognitive science. He has written numerous books on the topic, including Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1983) and The Unschooled Mind: How Children Think and How Schools Should Teach (1991).

Recognition and Awards

Gardner has been recognized for his work with numerous awards and honors. In 1985, he was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship, and in 1994, he was elected to the National Academy of Education. He has also received honorary degrees from numerous universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Oxford.

Impact on Education

Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences has had a profound impact on the field of education. His work has led to a greater emphasis on individualized learning, and the recognition that different students may learn best in different ways. His theory has also been used to develop more creative and engaging teaching methods, as well as to develop standardized tests that better reflect a student’s true abilities.

Conclusion

Howard Gardner is a renowned psychologist and professor of education at Harvard University. He is best known for his theory of multiple intelligences, which posits that humans possess multiple types of intelligence, rather than a single, general intelligence. His work has had a profound impact on the fields of education, psychology, and cognitive science, and he has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for his contributions. Gardner’s theory has led to a greater emphasis on individualized learning, and the recognition that different students may learn best in different ways.

FAQs

1. Who is Howard Gardner?

Howard Gardner is an American developmental psychologist and professor at Harvard University who is best known for his theory of multiple intelligences.

2. What is Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences?

Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences suggests that there are eight different types of intelligence, which include: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic.

3. What are the implications of Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences?

Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences has implications for education, as it suggests that different types of intelligence should be taken into consideration when developing curriculum and teaching methods. It also suggests that different people may have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to different types of intelligence.

4. What other research has Gardner conducted?

Gardner has conducted research in the fields of creativity, education, leadership, and the development of intelligence. He has also written numerous books on these topics.

5. What awards has Gardner received?

Gardner has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the MacArthur Fellowship, the American Psychological Association’s Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions, and the National Medal of Science.

6. What books has Gardner written?

Gardner has written several books, including Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, The Unschooled Mind: How Children Think and How Schools Should Teach, and Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century.

7. What is Gardner’s educational background?

Gardner received his Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and his Doctorate from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

8. Where can I find more information about Howard Gardner?

More information about Howard Gardner can be found on his website, as well as in his books and other publications.