Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Summary Section 5 pp. 169-188

Intelligence is measured by experiences in our long term memory. For some time, environmental experiences weren’t believed to have much impact on intelligence, but newer research debates that idea. Findings suggest because of genetic inheritance people engage in certain environmental experiences that otherwise wouldn’t interest them. This impacts their cognitive ability. Other reasons for varying intelligence may be from better nutrition and healthcare.
Children come to teachers with differing intelligence due to factors mentioned above. While children differ in intelligence, it can be changed through sustained hard work according to Willingham. I liked some of the suggestions made for teachers on engaging slower learners.
Reports on slow learners find that they do much better if they’re praised for their hard work and not their ability. They are shaped for the long term by what they hear from parents, teachers, and peers. As a teacher what strategies or methods do you use with them that make them desire, believe, and gain the confidence to learn more in your classroom?

2 comments:

  1. With the work ethic on the decline I agree that we need to praise for hard work. All students have equal opportunities for hard work but not all students have the same intelligence.

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  2. I'm a big believer in praise. I think students should be encouraged for working hard and trying their best. Those who perform well should be praised, but a good attempt at success is praise worthy as well.

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