Compare and contrast the theories that propose more than one type of intelligence. Describe how each theory might be used to inform and improve educational practice.

What will be an ideal response?

Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences argues against one measure of global intelligence and instead proposes that people have up to nine major types of intelligence. The combination and configuration of these intelligences make people unique. Gardner also included understanding people and reading emotions as categories of intelligence. He would say that education should use a unique combination of scores to assess intelligence, as opposed to a single score. Sternberg agreed with Gardner that there are multiple intelligences, but he disagreed with some of Gardner's identified intelligences-Sternberg believed some of them are talents, not intelligences. Sternberg proposed the triarchic theory of intelligence, which includes three types of intelligence: analytic intelligence, which includes logical reasoning and verbal and mathematical skills; creative intelligence, which is the ability to generate new ideas and solve problems in novel ways; and practical intelligence, which involves the ability to apply what you have learned in a given situation. Sternberg would say that education should help people make the best use of the three components by emphasizing their strengths and helping them compensate for or overcome their weaknesses. Although student suggestions may vary for the educational advantages of each theory, the description should include how educational programs can be tailored to unique areas of strength in different individuals.