In Jennifer James’s essay Understanding Who is Smart, she describes the views of intelligence and emphasizes on system thinking. James explains the nine primary forms of intelligence that Howard Gardner had devised along with an addition of one: 1.Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence, 2. Logical/Mathematical Intelligence, 3. Visual/Spatial Intelligence, 4. Body/Kinesthetic intelligence, 5. Musical/rhythmic intelligence, 6.Interpersonal Intelligence, 7. Intrapersonal Intelligence, 8.Spiritual Intelligence, and 9.Practical Intelligence. She clarifies that the forms of evidence will vary for everyone. Next she gives a description of four styles that people use to process information from Researcher Gail Browning: analytical, conceptual, structural, and social. Then James discusses lateral thinking (also called critical or system) that British researcher Edward De Bono believes is the most productive thinking process. She concludes her essay by emphasizing about system thinking.
I think Understanding Who is Smart by Jennifer James is the first right steps to understanding intelligence. When she says that the forms of intelligence can vary for each person, I can relate to it. My older sister has a better sense of common sense, referred to as “practical intelligence” in this essay, whereas I am the total opposite; I have horrible common sense. I think that this essay should be analyzed and examined by educational authority figures within our country for education K-12, so that they can see the difference between every individuals; not everyone will have the same level of intelligence. The only problem is that are they willing to be open to these views of intelligence and if they understand and can sympathize with the fact that everyone vary on intelligence, what can we do to further define “intelligence”. Everyone is different and so are their opinions and “intelligence”; you cannot define a person by their test score or letter grade.
In How Do You Perceive and Process Information by Constance Staley, she discusses the four ways of learning information. The four different ways of absorbing information are visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic. Staley provides an assessment that supposedly shows what type of learner you are based on your score, along with everyday study and exam preparations strategies. She explains that your VARK result will reveal the ways you learn best, adding that the learning styles descriptions are not meant to label you , but help you in improving your academic results.
I found the essay, How Do You Perceive and Process Information by Constance Staley to be very appealing. It was enjoyable taking a little assessment while reading and discovering what learning method may be best for me. The information that was stated is interesting, the tips and advice may be helpful. Although I found this article to be entertaining, I do not necessarily agree completely with the VARK Assessment because I think other factors can affect your learning ability, not just the style of learning you have.
In Active Learning by James Twining, he emphasizes the importance of the process of learning as you learn to become and active learner. The three major stages of the learning process are: planning, monitoring, and evaluating. There are four types of information to consider when planning are: the characteristics of the learner, the critical tasks or specific assignments, the nature of the materials, and the learning necessary to complete the task. Ways to monitor yourself are: asking yourself questions about the information, taking notes, summarizing, and self-test yourself. In evaluating, you review the information and spread out your learning.
In Active Learning by James Twining, he emphasizes the importance of the process of learning as you learn to become and active learner. The three major stages of the learning process are: planning, monitoring, and evaluating. There are four types of information to consider when planning are: the characteristics of the learner, the critical tasks or specific assignments, the nature of the materials, and the learning necessary to complete the task. Ways to monitor yourself are: asking yourself questions about the information, taking notes, summarizing, and self-test yourself. In evaluating, you review the information and spread out your learning.
The advice and tips provided from James Twining in Active Learning are beneficial. I think it was unique of him to divide the process of learning into three main stages and explain each of them. I am aware of the information he states, but I am guilty of sometimes not applying those methods to what I am doing. The articles prior to this one connect all of the arguments the authors are trying to get across. Finding out how you learn is the first step to becoming an active learner.