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On the relationship between multiple intelligences and achievement among engineering students

Mohammad Salehi

Sharif University of Technology

Sogol Gerami

Sharif University of Technology

Abstract

The idea of multiple intelligences (MI) is primarily associated with Gardner (1983). It is mainly concerned with the fact that intelligence is multidimensional. It is a shift away from the notion that intelligence is only related to mathematical thinking and ability. Students studying in technological universities are believed to possess this kind of intelligence. This is the case, otherwise admission processes in Iran are quite rigid and only students endowed with this type of intelligence can survive in the academic environments, especially when it comes to engineering fields. The notion of MI was tested among students of Sharif university students. An inventory of MI was administered to 50 students. The classes were intact classes taught by the researcher. It can be said that the students were almost representative of the total population of Sharif University because the classes consisted of students coming from various fields of studies. The results ran counter to the expectations of the researcher. It was true that most students possessed logical-mathematical intelligence. But there were also students who enjoyed other types of intelligences, for example musical and linguistic intelligences. A multiple regression analysis showed that logical-mathematical intelligence was not necessarily the best predictor for their end of term achievements. While it is true that these students can survive in the academic environments relying solely on their logical-mathematical intelligences, attempts should be made to foster other types of intelligences as well. This can be achieved by nominating topics in the English language classes which cut across social skills, introspection, and other types of intelligence types.

Key Words: Multiple Intelligences, Multiple Regression, Predictors, Predicted, Achievement Scores

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