We hear a lot about intelligence these days. Is it an important concept? What should we as teachers understand about it? Definitions of intelligence are controversial. We have certain beliefs based on prior experience that must be challenged in light of emerging knowledge in the fields of education and psychology. Let’s take a closer look.
If I asked you to rate yourself as above average, average, or below the norm in intellectual functioning, where would you place yourself? This is an important question. It has been said that teachers are the most fragile of professionals, often regarding their own intellectual competency as low to moderate. Examining your personal assumptions about intelligence may remove some misconceptions and provide new ways of thinking about yourself and your students.
Our beliefs guide our practice. It is necessary to examine our beliefs about our students, ourselves, and yes, even our own capabilities in light of current theories and research. As we dig a bit deeper into the theories, perhaps we will discover that we and our students are more intelligent than we ever dreamed. Let’s probe new insights and explore together the meaning of intellectual propensity. Hang in with me here. We are going to set the stage for some amazing discoveries. My strong conviction is that you will not be the same teacher when we have finished our journey together.
If I asked you to rate yourself as above average, average, or below the norm in intellectual functioning, where would you place yourself? This is an important question. It has been said that teachers are the most fragile of professionals, often regarding their own intellectual competency as low to moderate. Examining your personal assumptions about intelligence may remove some misconceptions and provide new ways of thinking about yourself and your students.
Our beliefs guide our practice. It is necessary to examine our beliefs about our students, ourselves, and yes, even our own capabilities in light of current theories and research. As we dig a bit deeper into the theories, perhaps we will discover that we and our students are more intelligent than we ever dreamed. Let’s probe new insights and explore together the meaning of intellectual propensity. Hang in with me here. We are going to set the stage for some amazing discoveries. My strong conviction is that you will not be the same teacher when we have finished our journey together.
