Comments on: Wacko Wednesdays: Multiple Intelligences II

By: PurpleCar

PurpleCar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:55:41 +0000

Anyone can train for tests, if you know what types of questions to expect. This is the business model behind SAT and GMAT (etc.) prep course outlets. In fact, Princeton Review et al. prepare test takers not only by brushing up their math and reading skills, but also in test-taking techniques that show the tricks to 'beat' the test. I'm not saving up for my kids' college educations as much as I am for Princeton Review's SAT prep course!

That being said, the IQ tests for children are meant to assess natural ability (brain structure, etc.). The idea is that the ability is there or not there and can't be learned. This falls in line with the belief about the Michael Jordans of the world, or the Tiger Woods types: Natural ability is undeniable, and there is a problem-solving and observation natural ability that the WISC claims to assess.

Professionals keep the test very secret and unavailable to the public so that parents can't train their kids for it. The main advice is that the most accurate results happen with an untrained child, but that is just the stat model the professionals use. They obviously don't want anyone beating the test. The pros also talk about building up unnecessary anxiety in your child about the test and they purport that practicing will build up anxiety. I think these arguments have a 50/50 chance of applying to any one given child.

Parents cannot buy the test. Certified professionals are allowed to buy limited copies for use in their practices, and they are trained specifically to administer the test. Is all of this necessary? I don't think so. I'll see if I can do a little research on the types of questions on the children's IQ test (WISC) and I'll post them here.

By: PurpleCar

PurpleCar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:55:41 +0000

By: mindevolve

mindevolve — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:22:13 +0000

Hello.

At the risk of fanning flames or sparking new fires, those who feel touchy about IQ testing may be fortified to hear that new research shows we can change our scores by training our working memory. (Jaeggi: Training Working Memory Increases Fluid Intelligence pnas – April '08). This seems to thrust IQ into the realm of personal fitness — we don't all have a muscular physique, but anyone can go to the gym and work out…

Martin

By: PurpleCar

PurpleCar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:51:35 +0000

Thanks for that, Mel! I think most educators are very well versed in alternate learning styles at this point. Here the WISC is used only to determine if a student qualifies for the gifted program.

By: melmcbride

melmcbride — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:12:06 +0000

Thanks for putting this post together. It's a very thoughtful response to the conversation you got going last night in Twitter. This is a deeply political battle. I needn't tell you the nature of this battle but I think it's pretty important. It's the future of education and it's the future of all the young people who are let down by a system designed with one learner and one outcome in mind. Were it not for progressive educators with their differentiated approaches, I might not have graduated high school.