Get Your Students Hired
Gary,
Like your definition as it presents a complete picture of how students can develop themselves for career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Because what I teach is hands-on and skill-based, I would define intelligence as the ability to grasp the concepts, manipulate the machinery, and solve the problems of changing environment.
I think the analogy of the older generation having fewer resources but overcoming adversity is good, but maybe doesn't tell a complete story. I think a person that will exploit every single resource available can be just as intelligent and maybe more efficient!
Marshall,
Like your analysis and definition of intelligence. The saying "It isn't how smart you are but how you are smart." applies here. There are so many different ways to measure intelligence and then display it but in formal education it boils down to a specific test score. In the career world we look more at functional assessment and how individuals are able to perform tasks and solve problems and that is where I find the most comfort personally since I come from this world.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is an interesting questions, and one I've thought about before but not directly and in this context. I teach English. I have two degrees in English; however, I am a horrible speller. Many people will make judgments about me based on my problems with spelling. I understand why people connect good spelling with English; unfortunately, it is not the same skill set. Studying English means: reading, understanding, analyzing, and communicating ideas. Spelling is but one aspect of one of those skills. Because of my history with prejudice regarding my spelling, I've developed my idea of intelligence regarding what I think of other professors, and what I think of students.
For professors: I see intelligence as knowledge of their topics; plus how to communicate that knowledge to others. To do this, professors must think creatively, analytically, and compassionately. To be highly intelligent in the field of education, one must know their subject, and figure out ways that help students learn, they have to be adaptable; also, they need to be compassionate and understand their students. This will help them become more intelligent professors. Professors have to consider what they are doing and if they are getting the outcomes they want.
Therefore, based on my career intelligence a professor who knows their subject matter, creatively figures out how to communicate information to students, can change, and who can analysis their situations.
Jeffrey,
I do this at times with my students and it is amazing to watch. Some students have the common sense to work through the problem and others just freeze up and wait until someone else does it for them. I am afraid that this may be how they function in the workplace unless they are willing to take the time and effort to develop the required self discipline and knowledge required to be critical thinkers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with your statement. I believe some of the older generations who had less stuff to work with were very intelligent , they had to overcome whatever obstacles that arose with what few resources they had. This is what was often referred to as common sense or some would call it horse sense. necessity is a great teacher. Maybe we should jut present the students with problems and some resources and see what they come up with
I think the best way to define intelligence in the medical field is understanding that you do not need to know everything but you need to know where to find the information. When you are taking care of another person it is very important not to guess or make assumptions but to understand that looking something up is not a weakness. It takes more intelligence to admit you do not know something and look it up, versus guessing and making a mistake. One should not have to look up every piece of information, because they should be well versed in their subject area, but making sure you are correct is more important that looking like you know everything.
Patrick,
Like your definition as it reflects the value of using one's intelligence in an applied and relevant way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My definition of intelligence in my field is a person that that can understand the role of a product and being able to transfer this role to another recipe or dish to improve or match the expected quality.
To understand and react to problems that pop up instantly in order to satisfy the customer.
Intelligence in my field is being able to know about the different types of students, being able to recognize which is which and then help them in a way that solves their problem or helps them specific to their style. Being able to think logically and creatively at the same time.
Jaye,
Good point and one that needs to be considered as one approaches a content area like this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach media. It is an area in which you are dependent upon all areas of intelligence. Of course some people will be better than others.
I agree with David without putting all the pieces together as a unit you will never be able to solve the problem.
Lisa,
We are on the same wave length in how we perceive intelligence. There is so much more to it than just a score. This is why I like the saying "It isn't how smart you are but how you are smart that makes the difference.".
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jasen,
What a great role model from whom you could learn as well appreciate for his abilities to problem solve. I love being around these kind of people and observing how they got to be as skilled as they are. What I find is that they got that way through a lot of hard work and self discipline which sadly does not seem to be what they many of the students today are seeking.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My definition of intelligence in realtion to my career are of teaching English is on board with Howard Gardern's Multiple Intelligeces. To teach English, there is a social and humanistic side because I am always working with other people. I am an extrovert, so that matches perfectly. Also, I feel that teachers need to be able to apply teaching pedagogies and methodologies in numerous ways to appeal to all learners. For example, I always use VARK for my lesson plans. I try to come up with a Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic approach to each lesson so that all of my students can be successful. I also think that it is good to be practical and use common sense. Most topics in class have to be answered using logic and reasoning and be free of bias, propaganda, and stereotypes.
V/r,
Lisa McGoldrick
English Instructor
I had the same experience with my grandfather. He was a mechanic/fabricator. I really believe that growing up watching and working with him and his problem solving skills have helped me tremendously in my career as a fabricator and now as I teach others. Nothing was ever to big to overcome with him.
Andrew,
Good definition that is field specific. Helping your students to learn how to be disciplined enough to work through these steps will ease their transition into the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.