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What is intelligence? Can it only be measured by an IQ test? What about other types of intelligence?
As an Intervention specialist, I get the privilege to work with students in nearly every grade. Sometimes my lessons go as planned, while others may fall flat. I have found that flexibility is the only way to understand that things may not go as planned.
During one lesson, I had my students demonstrate how they got their answers to their questions. I had one student who came up and confidently gave the incorrect answer. After a couple of other students shared their answers, this student realized their mistake, and asked to come up to correct it. I never stated that this student’s answer was incorrect, but I also did not let students make comments about it either.
I have found that sometimes students learn best from experience like this. I could easily have stated why the answer was incorrect, and would have if the student still did not understand.
The students here never cease to amaze me. Sometimes they need help, which I happily provide. Sometimes they seem to leap over what I thought was a major obstacle with ease, yet struggle with what we may believe is simple.
Back to “what is intelligence?” I know that I could ask any first through third grade class about dinosaurs, and at least one student will chime in. I also could ask a question about a book they have been reading as a class, and others will chime in.
I have learned to never underestimate these students. Whether they need additional help or not, they all have areas where they are extremely intelligent. Just because they struggle in one area, does not mean they can’t tell you the difference between a Pterodactyl and a Pteranodon (other than the fact that they have the silent “P” found in words of Greek origin).
Best Wishes,
Mr. Robert Squier
Intervention Specialist
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