Definition of smart
After reading in this last section a definition of being smart, being that of not knowing but of knowing how and where to get the information, and how we use this information, has greatly helped me in understanding how to teach my students and to have a greater understanding of different types of "smart" students I have.
I also teach in an enviroment such as you and find that many of the students defend their not not knowing something. I see that they have been labeled either at home or by their peers Not Smart. They heard this there fore learned this and made it mean something, to the point they began to believe it. My and all instructors challange is to not just be a model and mentor it is to have them see that they are SMART and have always been. Once they see this then they come out and play more in life and learning. This is when it begins for them. Some are young and some are not so young. I am so pleased to be apart of their process.
Jean,
There is a saying that I like "It isn't how smart you are but how you are smart". This fits in with your inspired intelligence because I think it is so true. Students once they become engaged in learning something that has value to them and they are excited about then they really take off. Thanks for making this very good point about how we look at intelligence.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that with students (and myself) studying the arts, the people who are less conventionally "smart", can be INSPIRED to be smart, by learning about activities that really inspire them. I have seen many students blossom when they get into a kitchen, because the art of food cause their brain to start working hard. Harder than it would in the settings they are used to being in. Inspired Intelligence! It's exciting to see. Especially from the students who have never considered themselves to be smart. Once they discover what really makes their brain turn on, food.
I think that not only should we define smart as being the ability to research and find answers, but also the ability to recognize what activities stimulate your brain to work to it's full potential. Which reminds me of that movie "Limitless". Our cooking is the thinking pill.
Alex,
The saying "it isn't how smart you are but how you are smart" applies here. The ability to think through situations is a valuable skill set to have and will be valuable no matter what field you work in.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is about where and how the information is found and next step of being smart HOW to use that info in solving problem. You don't need HIGH IQ to be "smart"
Juan,
Well said. This is what being smart is about. We need to make application of what we know if we are going to be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, smart is not about knowing it all. It is about where and how the information is found.
Richard,
Such a simple statement but has such powerful implications as you know. If we instructors can impart an understanding of this statement we will have done a major favor for out students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Same here. I was always told to "work smarter, not harder" and I try to convey that to my students.
Keri,
This is a handy tool for doing just that. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I love this definition of smart! I teach in a vocational school and a lot of students do not consider themselves "smart"...I can share with them that smart is not only passing a test...smart is how much effort they put into the topic.
Cindy,
Yes, these are not unusual circumstances for the mainstreamed classroom. Peer tutoring is a great way to help both students, especially when the advanced student recognizes the learning value for herself/himself. Using the peer teaching scenario can often provide teachers the 'extra' time needed for remedial instruction for those who may need it.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I have a student who gets 100% on every test! All her core classes and her major classes. Despite the different techniques I use, she manages to always get a hundred. It frustrates the other students but she likes to tutor others because it reinforces what she knows. Most students are afraid of her. In lecture, there are so many different styles the students learn from so I try to do all types. I work hard on difficult concepts and then sometimes they miss the easy cpncepts!!
Jennifer,
Most excellent. You are a true lifelong learner. The best teachers continue to pursue learning.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
