Response to Gardener’s Quotes on his Multiple Intelligences Theory

I was pleased to hear Howard Gardner’s remarks.  I have long had issues with using the theory of multiple intelligences as a “bible” for differentiated instruction.  After all, for students to respond to questions about learning style preferences would assume that they possess the required self-regulatory and meta-cognitive skills to understand themselves as learners.  It also assumes that they are taking the assessments seriously.  I have found in my experience that in many cases one or both of these is not true. 

 Since the possibility exists for students to score in the high to middle range in several areas, the tests for multiple intelligences seem  best suited to show in what learning styles students are less apt to learn successfully. This information can be used by the learner to identify areas that they may need to improve in.  The theory should have some effect on how teachers teach or more importantly: options we allow for assessment.  Since pedagogy does not presently dictate that instructors teach to specific intelligences, the multiple intelligence theory would be best utilized as a personal guide for learners in their quest toward metacognition and self-regulation.  Teachers should also take it into consideration especially in instances when reteaching after some students have had difficulty with a concept.