Learners’ Heterogeneity, Dominant Intelligences, and the Effects of Originality and Innovation in Entrepreneurship

Abstract

This study examines the association between the heterogeneity of groups of learners, specifically in terms of dominant intelligences, and the novelty and originality of their learning projects in an entrepreneurship project, based on Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory. The main predictors of product novelty and originality were found to be motivation for learning and the number of dominant intelligences in a group. Findings also indicate that the recommended composition of intelligences for groups of learners in the field of entrepreneurship is a combination of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, mathematical-logical intelligence, and musical-rhythmic intelligence. Findings may have implications for entrepreneurship education and for teaching, learning and project assessment practices, with teachers implementing diverse teaching strategies directed at the needs of different learners.