Nature of Intelligence in Adult Development and Learning

Lourdes Machuca

AET/500

October 3, 2016

Emily Christiansen

Theories of Intelligence

Next, we will examine the following theories of intelligence

Theory of Multiple Intelligences – Howard Gardner

Practical Intelligence – Robert J. Sternberg

Emotional Intelligence – Daniel Goleman

Multiple Intelligencesby Howard Gardner

Gardner says that there are multiple types of human intelligences, each representing different ways of processing information.

Verbal-linguistic it’s an individual's ability to analyze information and produce work that involves oral and written language, such as speeches, books, and emails.

Logical-mathematical intelligence describes the ability to develop equations and proofs, make calculations, and solve abstract problems.

Visual-spatial intelligence allows people to comprehend maps and other types of graphical information.

Musical intelligence enables individuals to produce and make meaning of different types of sound.

Naturalistic intelligence refers to the ability to identify and distinguish among different types of plants, animals, and weather formations found in the natural world.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence entails using one's own body to create products or solve problems.

Interpersonal intelligence reflects an ability to recognize and understand other people's moods, desires, motivations, and intentions.

Intrapersonal intelligence refers to people's ability to recognize and assess those same characteristics within themselves.

Multiple Intelligence Facts

People have many different intelligences, and strength in one are does not predict weakness in another.

Gardner summarizes his approach with three recommendations for educators:

1. Individualize the teaching style

2. Pluralize the teaching

3. Multiple Intelligences ≠ Learning Styles

Practical Intelligenceby Robert J. Sternberg

The Practical Intelligence element of Sternberg

The triarchic theory of intelligence is based on a broader definition of intelligence is defined in terms on the ability to achieve success in life based on one’s personal standards and within one’s sociocultural context.

The Practical Intelligence element of the Triarchic theory of Intelligence refers to the ability to adapt to a changing environment.

Emotional Intelligenceby Daniel Goleman

Five skills of Emotional Intelligence (EI):

Knowing one's emotion. Self-awareness and recognizing a feeling as it happens.

Managing emotions. Handling feelings so the emotional response is appropriate.

Motivating oneself. This is the ability to regulate one’s emotions.

Recognizing emotions in others. Empathy as the fundamental people skill.

Handling relationships. This is the ability to cheer up or calm down another person’s emotion and it gives support to popularity, leadership, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others (Goleman, 1995).

Culture as an influence in adult learningCulture deeply influences nations, ethnic groups, geographical regions,

organizations, social groups, neighborhoods, and classrooms. (Merriam, 2014)

What is learned is meant to be shared.

The majority of learning happens outside “formal institutions”. It is called experience.

The majority of cultures view learning as lifelong. It only ends when the person dies.

Treating others with respect regardless of their station in life is considered one of the hallmarks of an educated person.

Culture affects social contexts.

“Cultural background, assumptions, and view of the world influence our understanding of adult learning” (Johansen & McLean, 2006, p. 321)

References

Edutopia. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-research

Sternberg, R. 1999. “The Theory of Successful Intelligence”. Review of General Psychology 3. 292-316.

Goleman D. 1995 “Emotional Intelligence”. 43.

Merriam, Sharan B., Laura Bierema. Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice. Jossey-Bass, 2014. VitalSource Bookshelf Online.