The Author of Frames of Mind and the creator of the theory of Multiple intelligences revisits his original work and reflects on the growth and evolution of his theories. A must read for educational reformists.

"...intelligences are not things that can be seen or counted. Instead, they are potentials-presumably, neural ones-none that will or will not be activated. Depending on values of a particular culture, the opportunities available in that culture, and the personal decisions made by individuals and/or their families, schoolteachers and others".

"I now conceptualize intelligence as...

a biopsychological potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture".

With this reflection on his original work Gardner extends and deepens the readers understanding and experience of the original "MI" theory. His investigation of the measures and meaning of intelligence are contexualised in the formal and informal learning environments of schools and museums. His writings should challenge and provoke considerable debate,particularly among Australian educators (read the book and find out, he might be talking about you!).

In once sentence, Gardner earns my support for his work.

...One possibility is individually configured education-an education that takes individual differences seriously, insofar as possible, crafts practices that serve different kinds of minds equally well."

"The crucial ingredient is a commitment to knowing the minds-the persons-of individual students"

For me, the reference to this simple statement is at the core of the greatest challenge facing schools and educational institutions in the new millennium. The opportunities and dangers that online learning technologies offer the teacher/educator demand closer scrutiny and assessment of the learning goals of the institution and practitioners within.

Marg Batten's work from 1989 is still profoundly relevant in such a discussion. (89.01)

 

Intelligence Reframed : Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century