In 1983, Harvard psychologist Dr. Howard Gardner introduced a theory that expanded the boundaries of what constitutes intelligence. Critical of the way intelligence was measured, Gardner sought to redefine the concept by incorporating recent findings from neuropsychology. He put forth the view that the intelligence quotient (IQ) does not adequately encompass the vast array of human abilities and that it misses important areas of intelligence. Traditional IQ tests primarily measure linguistic and logical/mathematical skills, whereas Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences proposes at least eight other skill areas. Gardner’s research expands the idea of intelligence and asks: How...
Digest of Gifted Research
Welcome to the Digest of Gifted Research (formerly Duke Gifted Letter), published by the Duke University Talent Identification Program. The Digest is a trusted resource for research-based information about raising and educating academically talented children.
Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:45
A giant step forward or wishful thinking? The experts sound off with their viewpoints on the theory of Multiple Intelligences.
Since Howard Gardner first introduced the Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory in 1983, it has either been hailed as a challenge to the theory of the immutable IQ or dismissed as fuzzy theorizing. The Duke Gifted Letter asked three experts for their opinions on this controversial topic.
DGL: What is unique or valuable about MI theory?
Renzulli: MI theory represents a giant step forward in the way we view the concept of intelligence. Although others have attempted to broaden the concept of...
Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:30
Readers, welcome to the inaugural issue of the Duke Gifted Letter! We are extremely excited about the publication of a newsletter designed specifically for parents of gifted children and youth.
Duke TIP was established twenty years ago to identify academically gifted students and provide inno-vative programs to support the development of their educational potential.
One of TIP’s goals has been to provide parents of gifted children with timely, authoritative, and practical information. TIP recognizes the importance of well-informed parents in actualizing the optimal development of gifted youngsters. The Duke Gifted Letter was conceived with this goal in...
Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:00
The Duke Gifted Letter recognizes that bright students have special needs that all too often go unattended. In most states, funding for the gifted is grossly underappropriated.
To ensure that the needs of gifted children are not overlooked and to assist parents in making an informed choice in the upcoming presidential election, the Duke Gifted Letter invited candidates George W. Bush and Al Gore to state their position on the education of America’s gifted students. We asked the candidates how they would support the special educational needs of gifted students, what their position is on federal initiatives for the gifted, and how they feel about the Advanced Placement...
Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:30
Parent Question: Since my child entered middle school, she doesn’t seem challenged academically. What advice can you give me and my child’s teacher?
Two authorities in the gifted field provide a response.
Dr. Maureen Niehart: A sportswriter once said that a few early failures in life take the pressure off an undefeated record. One of the problems that can arise when children have work that is too easy is that they don’t learn to take risks. My concern for your daughter is that she might become so accustomed to success without effort that she develops unrealistic expectations regarding what real challenge requires. Research about patterns of...