In 1983, Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner published 'Frames of Mind,' introducing his theory of multiple intelligences, which proposed that humans...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In 1983, Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner published 'Frames of Mind,' introducing his theory of multiple intelligences, which proposed that humans possess several distinct types of intelligence rather than a single general intelligence. Gardner's work revolutionized educational practices in many American schools. In a research paper, a student claims that Gardner's multiple intelligence theory was influenced by educational philosophies developed by Maria Montessori in Italy during the early 20th century.
Which quotation from an educational historian would be the most effective evidence for the student to include in support of this claim?
Montessori's emphasis on recognizing diverse learning capabilities in children provided a foundation for later theories about varied forms of human intelligence, inspiring educators like Gardner to challenge traditional views of singular academic ability.
Gardner's theory emerged from advances in cognitive psychology and neuroscience, representing a distinctly American approach to understanding learning differences in contemporary students.
Both Gardner and Montessori worked primarily with children, but their methods differed significantly in terms of classroom structure and the role of standardized assessment.
The implementation of multiple intelligence theory in American schools required extensive teacher training, unlike Montessori's approach which emphasized natural learning environments.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In 1983, Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner published Frames of Mind, introducing his theory of multiple intelligences' |
|
| 'which proposed that humans possess several distinct types of intelligence rather than a single general intelligence' |
|
| 'Gardner's work revolutionized educational practices in many American schools.' |
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| 'In a research paper, a student claims that Gardner's multiple intelligence theory was influenced by educational philosophies developed by Maria Montessori in Italy during the early 20th century.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A student is researching whether Maria Montessori's early 20th century educational philosophies influenced Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence theory.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to find which quotation would provide the strongest evidence for the student's claim about Montessori's influence on Gardner.
What type of answer do we need? A quotation that establishes a clear connection showing Montessori's ideas influenced Gardner's development of multiple intelligence theory.
Any limiting keywords? Strongest evidence for the student's claim about Montessori's influence on Gardner.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct quotation needs to establish a clear link between Montessori's educational philosophy and Gardner's later theory
- It should show that Montessori's ideas about recognizing different types of learning came first and then influenced Gardner's thinking
- The evidence should demonstrate causation or inspiration flowing from Montessori to Gardner
Montessori's emphasis on recognizing diverse learning capabilities in children provided a foundation for later theories about varied forms of human intelligence, inspiring educators like Gardner to challenge traditional views of singular academic ability.
- Explicitly states that Montessori's work 'provided a foundation for later theories' and 'inspiring educators like Gardner'
- Creates the exact causal connection the student's claim requires
Gardner's theory emerged from advances in cognitive psychology and neuroscience, representing a distinctly American approach to understanding learning differences in contemporary students.
- Claims Gardner's theory emerged from 'cognitive psychology and neuroscience' rather than educational philosophy
- Actually contradicts the claim about Italian influence
Both Gardner and Montessori worked primarily with children, but their methods differed significantly in terms of classroom structure and the role of standardized assessment.
- Focuses on differences between Gardner and Montessori's methods rather than influence
- Doesn't establish any causal relationship
The implementation of multiple intelligence theory in American schools required extensive teacher training, unlike Montessori's approach which emphasized natural learning environments.
- Discusses implementation differences in American schools, not theoretical influence
- Focuses on practical application rather than theoretical development