Sunday, June 28, 2009

"There is no PURE intelligence" (Day 1 of the ICOT)

Some points from the sessions I attended (about all I can recall for now):
  • Giving standard tests and examinations, whilst seemingly the fairest way to assess pupils, may in fact be un-fair because it ignores the different kinds of intelligence of the students

  • Intelligence is always contextual; there is no 'pure' intelligence (syllabus- and lesson-planners, heads up!)

  • Multi-tasking is a myth!

  • Photographic memory is a myth (the savant who could draw out the exact details of Rome as he flew in a helicopter over the city notwithstanding)

  • Character is indispensable for education; the 'best and the brightest' of America were the ones who started the Vietnam war

  • Teaching knowledge is less effective than teaching concepts

  • The best way to win in Monopoly is to buy as much as you can, not just Mayfair and Park Lane!

  • Learning increases when our hormones are tensed or fired up (e.g. driving!)

  • 55% of Australian workers wouldn't mind taking a pay-cut for a more fun work environment

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