Who is Smart?

As psychologists complete more research on Intelligence, new ideas emerge.  We have researchers who discuss the presence of multiple intelligences, emotional intelligence, social intelligence, successful intelligence, and those who explore the complex relationship between intelligence and creativity.  Other than the standard measure of "IQ" these fields have opened new notions about how to educate the children of the United States.  Should fostering these alternate measure of intelligence be encouraged?  Robert Sternberg believes that, "Many students could learn more effectively than they do now if they were taught in a way that better matched their patterns of abilities," that teaching emotional intelligence may increase attendance an improve learning, and that these methods teach to the uniqueness of the mind.  Others believe that school should be school, that learning should occur because it needs to be done and that students need to have this information, that it has worked for many years- all these new ideas are what are responsible for the failings of this nation's educational system.

Can we foster intelligence?  What can or should be done to nurture a child's intelligence? Does it require that we consider these new models or should we recognize that being "successful" and achieving academic greatness is not for everyone?

Please consider these readings and visit these websites carefully BEFORE you attempt to answer the question - it is imperative that you have a depth of knowledge as you attempt to answer this Discussion Question.

References

Blair, A. (n.d.).  Schools to encourage emotional intelligence - Times Online .   The Times | UK News, World News and Opinion. Retrieved November 1, 2010, from http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article597323.ece

Sternberg, R. (0). The name assigned to the document by the author. This field may also contain sub-titles, series names, and report numbers.   Successful Intelligence in the Classroom. Theory Into Practice, v43 (n4 ), p274-280. Retrieved November 1, 2010, from http://www.lincolnparkboe.org/pdf/Sternberg_on_intelligences.pdf or Sternberg_on_intelligences.pdf

The Gardner School of Multiple Intelligences. (n.d.). The Gardner School of Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved November 1, 2010, from http://www.gardnerschool.org/