Thom wrote: > Gardner is a very well respected developmental psychologist. I would > argue one of his aims is to point out that IQ is not necessarily the > only important measure of ability. His use of the term intelligence is, > I would think, calculated to avoid relegating other abilities (music, > mathematics, language, social etc.) to lower status terms such as > talents, abilities or competence.
and >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 4/27/2004 1:15:02 PM >>> added <<< Does this mean "calculated to confuse the meaning of the word 'intelligence' until it cannot be used with its original meaning?" >>> Or with any meaning at all. If 'intelligence' is taken to mean 'good at something or other' which seems to be what Gardner is trying to do, then we might abandon th word 'intelligence' altogether, and use 'ability'. Doubtless there are some developmental psychologists who would say that this would be good for everyone's self-esteem - but the kids already KNOW all this, so..... One thing which hasn't been mentioned in this whole fascinating multithreaded discussion is that somewwhere along the line we (as a society) seem to have lost the idea that learning requires actual mental effort and that the effort itself is worthwhile. Not only does effort make one stronger, but suceeding in something that requires effort does wonders for one's self-esteem, and is actually kinda fun :-) If kids fail to learn that effort is rewarding, necessary, and enjoyable, then the consequences for them are, I think, far more dire than failing to learn any particular subject. Peter . . ================================================================= Instructions for joining and leaving this list, remarks about the problem of INAPPROPRIATE MESSAGES, and archives are available at: . http://jse.stat.ncsu.edu/ . =================================================================
