A Multiple Intelligence Perspective

There are many contrasting views stated in both articles the first by Temple Grandin, and the second by Donna Williams. Grandin believes that everyone who has Autism can see and think through pictures, while it seems as if Williams sees and thinks through movement and mainly music. I agree with both authors in that people can interpret the outside world in many different ways. It is true, according to Howard Gardner’s research on Multiple Intelligences that everyone can think in many different ways, through his 8 different intelligences. It is also true, that people are able to use several of these intelligences combined. For example, I am generally a very visual person, but enjoy music as well, and it often times helps me to remember important information.


This is an example of a Multiple Intelligences "test" I took last semester demonstrating my intelligences strengths. As you can see the Visual Spatial section and Musical section are 75% each.

Both authors are correct in expressing their views on how people learn and interpret information, because that is a very personal experience. Each person is going to understand the world differently, and no two people are alike in their thinking. It is important as a teacher to be able to understand and know how each of their students think, and be able to capitalize upon that. Teachers should be observant of their students, and even “test” them for their dominant intelligence (according to Gardner’s theory) in or to help the student excel.

The Role of Art In My Life

Art has always played a strong role in my life through various ways. One of the main ways that art has been incorporated into my life, is my passion for scrapbooking. Scrapbooking is the act of archiving memories through various art styles and techniques. Over the years I have scrapbooked many precious memories, and continue to do so. Through these scrapbooks I am able to preserve memories that are meaningful to me, in a format that also creates meaning for myself. I am able to represent these memories in a visual way where others are able to “relive” my memories because of the detail I include in these books. These scrapbooks are a way for me to express myself, and I am very fortunate to have the ability to do so in an artistic manor.

Two examples of pages from a scrapbook of mine:

Art has also been a part of my life through my schooling (art class) and throughout my childhood in the form of museum exhibits and shows. Although I do not always understand all of the meanings of art and paintings, I am able to enjoy them. One question that has been brought up through the readings, is why is art not encouraged more in the classroom, and throughout the school days? Students should be able to use art as another form of expression, and should be exposed to it throughout the school day. Why has it only been in the last several years that art has become to be a stronger activity within the schools?