Les intelligences multiples: tous intelligents ! | Bruno HOURST | TEDxLIleSaintDenis

Summary

In this thought-provoking speech, the speaker delves into Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, emphasizing that everyone possesses a unique blend of cognitive abilities. The speaker highlights how traditional education often neglects many of these intelligences, leading to unnecessary suffering and academic failure. With personal anecdotes, the speaker urges educators to embrace a more inclusive approach that recognizes and nurtures all eight intelligences. Ultimately, the message calls for a shift in how we perceive intelligence, encouraging both personal and educational growth by valuing diverse talents beyond conventional academic achievements.

Takeaways

• 😀 Everyone has multiple forms of intelligence, which can be developed to varying degrees, rather than just one traditional measure of intelligence.
• 😀 Intelligence is not solely determined by school grades; many students with high potential face academic challenges.
• 😀 Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences identifies eight different types of intelligence that people possess.
• 😀 These intelligences include visual/spatial, musical/rhythmic, verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, bodily/kinesthetic, naturalistic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.
• 😀 School systems often focus primarily on two types of intelligence—logical/mathematical and verbal/linguistic—leaving other forms underdeveloped or ignored.
• 😀 A person's success in life is not necessarily tied to traditional school assessments, and unrecognized talents can lead to academic struggles.
• 😀 Recognizing and utilizing different types of intelligence can lead to greater personal and professional success.
• 😀 Stereotypes about intelligence can harm students' self-esteem and limit their potential, as seen when they are only measured by conventional standards like grades.
• 😀 The education system should embrace the idea of multiple intelligences, as it can significantly reduce academic failure and help more students succeed.
• 😀 The theory of multiple intelligences can be applied in everyday life, from supporting children's homework to improving team dynamics in professional settings.
• 😀 Developing multiple intelligences in both children and adults can lead to greater fulfillment and contribute to a more compassionate, productive society.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speech?

The main theme of the speech is Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, which emphasizes that individuals possess various types of intelligence beyond traditional academic skills, and the current educational system fails to recognize and nurture these diverse intelligences.

What are the eight types of intelligence according to Howard Gardner's theory?

The eight types of intelligence are: visual/spatial, musical/rythmic, verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, bodily/kinesthetic, naturalistic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.

How does the speaker relate personal experience to the concept of multiple intelligences?

The speaker shares a personal experience as a teacher where they discovered that some students, despite academic failure, possessed remarkable talents in areas such as conflict resolution or handling a camera, which led the speaker to question how the educational system failed to recognize these abilities.

Why do students often fail in the traditional educational system, according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, students fail in the traditional educational system because the system primarily values two forms of intelligence—verbal/linguistic and logical/mathematical—while neglecting the other six forms of intelligence. This creates an environment where students with strengths in other areas are often overlooked or punished.

What does the speaker suggest as a solution to the issues in the educational system?

The speaker suggests adopting the theory of multiple intelligences in education, which would recognize and develop all eight types of intelligence, thus reducing educational suffering and allowing students to thrive in areas where they excel.

How can teachers implement the concept of multiple intelligences in the classroom?

Teachers can implement the concept by observing and recognizing the different intelligences in their students, creating learning activities that engage various forms of intelligence, and fostering an environment where all types of intelligence are valued and nurtured.

How does the speaker believe that developing multiple intelligences can affect a person's life outside of school?

The speaker believes that developing multiple intelligences can lead to more fulfilled and successful lives. It can help individuals thrive in various areas, improve relationships, and foster a deeper love for learning that contributes to overall well-being and success in life.

What is the speaker's stance on intelligence tests?

The speaker criticizes intelligence tests, stating that they are counterproductive to the theory of multiple intelligences because they reduce the complexity of human intelligence to a single measure. Instead, the speaker advocates for observation and individualized understanding of each person's unique bouquet of intelligences.

Why does the speaker believe that focusing only on academic intelligences creates suffering?

The speaker believes that focusing only on academic intelligences leads to unnecessary suffering because it disregards the other forms of intelligence that many students possess. This results in the marginalization of students who may be intelligent in non-academic areas, causing them to feel inadequate or like failures.

What does the speaker hope to achieve through the promotion of multiple intelligences?

The speaker hopes to reduce suffering in education, empower individuals by recognizing their diverse talents, and ultimately foster a society where people are encouraged to love learning and contribute positively to the world, free from the limitations of the traditional educational system.