Triarchic Theory (Robert Sternberg)

Triarchic Theory (Robert Sternberg)

According to Sternberg, his Triarchic theory of intelligence documents that intelligence is a product of three interdependent factors. They are creative, practical, and analytical abilities. He contends that if an individual is to be successful in a given socio-cultural setting, the three factors have to be collectively functional. Analytical skills are vital as they provide a pathway to critical evaluation and analysis of any given information. On the other hand, creativity, discoveries, and inventions are made. Then the practical skills are vital in assembling the former skills to generate a tangible result  (Sternberg, 2018).

Multiple Intelligence Theory (Howard Gardner)

In his theory, Gardner is against tests and scores as the ultimate tools for measuring intelligence. He argues that tests are not a good reflection and don’t mirror an individual’s abilities (Davis, Christodoulou, Seider, & Gardner, n.d). From this, therefore, he comes with different types of intelligence;

1. Linguistic intelligence (verbal)- he referred this as being word smart.
2. Spatial intelligence- being able to locate object arrangement in space

• Musical intelligence- How a person performs and perceives music.

1. Interpersonal intelligence-being able to understand others.
2. Logical (mathematical)intelligence- Referred it as smart reasoning
3. Kinesthetic intelligence- Being able to use the body appropriately.

Contribution of these ideas to the school environments

Both authors and scholars have immensely contributed to the school settings through their intelligence theory ideas. Education systems have been forced to change the curriculum system to accommodate students whose intelligence might not be lying on the most recognized arc, the tests, and scores. Besides, Sternberg’s theory has encouraged the rolling out of curriculums and guides that help improve the analytic, creative, and physical abilities of a student. This, therefore, has brought in diversification in the school settings.

References

Davis, K., Christodoulou, J., Seider, S., & Gardner, H. (n.d.). The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The Cambridge Handbook of Intelligence, 485-503. doi:10.1017/cbo9780511977244.025

Sternberg, R. J. (2018). The Nature of Human Intelligence. Cambridge University Press.