Multiple Intelligences Around the World

"Cultures are like chemical elements. You can mix two of them, and you might get something useful like water or table salt. But you might also blow up the kitchen."
—Thomas Armstrong from Multiple Intelligences Around the World

Multiple intelligences (MI) theory has been introduced and implemented successfully in numerous countries around the world. This is the first collection to review, synthesize, and reflect on this unique cross-cultural and educational phenomenon. Through this synthesis and reflection, the book's authors provide a fresh and fuller understanding of MI theory. In addition, they develop more specific knowledge about why MI theory has been welcomed in so many countries, how its use can be appropriate in diverse cultures, and what has supported and fueled travel of the MI meme.

Jie-Qi Chen is professor of child development and early education at Erikson Institute. A Fulbright Senior Specialist and author of several books, Chen specializes in cognitive development, early mathematics education, classroom assessment, and teacher professional development in urban settings.

Seana Moran is research manager of the Center on Adolescence at Stanford University. Her work focuses on how people contribute to their cultures, putting their multiple intelligences to good use through purpose, commitment, and creativity.

Howard Gardner is the Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is adjunct professor of psychology at Harvard University and senior director of Harvard Project Zero. He received a MacArthur Prize Fellowship in 1981 and the Grawemeyer Award in Education in 1990. Gardner is the author of over twenty books translated into twenty-seven languages.