2. How do we define intelligence? It just depends on who you ask! Intelligence according to… David Wechsler : Intelligence is the capacity to understand one’s world and the resourcefulness to cope with its challenges. Jean Piaget : Intelligence is an adaptation. Intelligence is assimilation to the extent that it incorporates all the given data of experience within its framework. American People (based on research study) : Intelligence consists of three sets of abilities including problem solving, verbal ability, and social competence. Michael Gardner: There are multiple intelligences. In fact, there are 7 types including verbal, logical, spatial, musical, body-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal. Robert Sternberg : We don’t have one type (or seven types) of intelligence, we have three types: analytical, creative, and practical. (Sterk, Marteney, 2008)
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4. So, how do I become a genius? Firstly, understand that intelligence is different than thinking. We are born with a certain level of intelligence. Thinking is a skill, which can be practiced, altered and improved.
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7. Wait, what’s a critical thinker exactly? I’m glad you asked! According to our text “Communicating Critical Thinking,” critical thinkers excel in the following abilities: 1.) Intellectually curious 2.) Open-minded 3.) Avoid “red-herrings” 4.) Know how to use anecdotes effectively 5.) Learn to handle confusion 6.) Are able to control emotion 7.) Sensitive to the needs of others 8.) Can distinguish between a conclusion that might be “true” and one they would like to be “true.” 9.) Know when to admit to not knowing something 10.) Seek a dialogical approach to the process of argument.
8. So then, what makes a genius? An article entitled “The Questioning Mind: Newton, Darwin, and Einstein” (criticalthinking.org) describes some interesting facts about these historical geniuses: *Newton, Darwin, and Einstein all hated school, and saw no purpose for it! *None of these geniuses did well academically in school! *Therefore, the greatest minds of our history were not possessed by the greatest students, but rather the greatest critical thinkers…the “questioning minds.” *So then, to become considered a "genius,” o ne need not be an A+ student! I nstead, it is the passion to discover through a questioning mind and a fervent dedication to searching and analyzing one's own ideas and thoughts that can lead to such a status
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10. Acknowledgement: This power point presentation has been a review of the information found in the modules, articles, posts, and overall chapter entitled “The Foundations of Knowledge” from our “Communicating Critical Thinking” textbook (Sterk, Marteney, 2008.)
