Who is Howard Gardner?
Howard Gardner is a developmental psychologist best-known for this theory of multiple intelligences.
His theory had a particular impact in the field of education where it inspired educators to explore new ways of teaching aimed at these different intelligences. (Cherry, 2019)
When we think of intelligence we usually think of the one that most people refer to - intellectual intelligence. Below is a list of Gardener's 8 intelligences:
- Logical/mathematical intelligence
- Linguistic intelligence
- Musical intelligence
- Bodily-kinaesthetic intelligence
- Spatial intelligence
- Intrapersonal intelligence
- Interpersonal intelligence
- Naturalistic intelligence
We will be focusing on Linguistic intelligence and language learning
Linguistic Intelligence and language learning
Linguistic intelligence is the ability to use language to express thoughts, ideas and to understand others.
Every individual is linguistically and verbally gifted. In the foundation phase learner's embark on their journey to being writer's as they are taught to read and write. Although many may argue that it is not a simple task to express your thoughts as one would like to, it is important to always keep in mind that for as long as you can verbally use words, language and write you are a step ahead.
In the Foundation Phase it is vital for educators to instill the skill of writing and communicating through encouraging learners to read books, newspapers, articles on the internet and watch the news. This will then result in grooming learners into being strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence and will be able to use words well, both when writing and speaking. These individuals are typically very good at writing stories, reading stories, writing poems, reading out poems memorising information.
Characteristics
Characteristics of linguistic-verbal intelligence include:
- Good at remembering written and spoken information
- Enjoys reading and writing
- Good at debating or giving persuasive speeches
- Able to explain things well
- Often uses humor when telling stories