Examining and adapting multiple intelligences assessment components for primary school students; a native look

Abstract

Background: Theory of Gardner provides a basis for identifying different capabilities and talents, but it is very difficult to assess multiple intelligences and the existing tools do not have the desired validity and reliability and are not designed based on Iranian culture. Aims: The present study aims to examine and adapt multiple intelligences assessment components for Iranian primary school students. Method: The present study is research and development, and descriptive in terms of purpose and data collection method respectively. The population consists of Tehrani first, second, and third-grade teachers in the school year of 2020 from which, 318 teachers were selected by available sampling. Results: Explanatory factor analysis showed eight-component-structure based on generalized least squares and equamax rotation is the best structure. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated explanatory factor analysis has good fit indexes. Besides, the subscales have sufficient internal consistency and range between 0/79 (Musical Intelligence) to 0/92 (Interpersonal Intelligence). Conclusions: In sum, results show regarding the optimal psychometric properties of the Multiple Intelligence Scale for Iranian Primary School Students-Teacher Form, it could be used for identifying multiple intelligences of students in educational settings in Iranian society

Keywords

• intelligence
• multiple intelligence
• scale
• elementary school students
• teachers