"Successful intelligence is the integrated set of abilities needed to attain success in life, however an individual defines it, within that individual's sociocultural context. People are successfully intelligent by recognizing their strengths and making the most of them at the same time that they recognize their weaknesses and find ways to correct or compensate for them. Successfully intelligent people adapt to, shape and select environments by using a balance of analytical, creative, and practical abilities" (Sternberg, 2007).
Robert Sternberg is a current cognitive psychologist researching in the field of intelligence. In the 1980's he published his triarchic theory of intelligence. According to Sternberg, intelligence is not just one general ability measured by one score (IQ) but is composed of three elements. These are analytical intelligence or problem-solving abilities, creative intelligence which includes using prior knowledge and skills to deal with new situations, and practical intelligence defined as the ability to adapt to a changing world (Cherry, 2015).
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Research
If you are interested in the cultural research projects related to this theory, here is an interesting video.
Some questions that he answers:
- What is the relationship of practical intelligence to academic intelligence and academic achievement?
- Which is a better predictor of physical and mental health in adults, academic or practical intelligence?
- Do students of a particular ethnic group do better in school if their parents' conception of intelligence matches that of the students' teachers?
Classroom Application
"There is no one right way of teaching and learning. Teaching and assessment should balance use of analytical, creative, and practical thinking" (Sternberg, 2004).
TIA (Triarchic Instruction and Assessment) Planning Form
TriMind Planning Tool http://lcps.k12.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/The-TriMinder-Strategy-Guide.pdf
Example - 6th Grade Math
6.RP.2: Understand the concept of unit rate
6.RP.3b: Solve unit rate problems including those involving unit pricing and constant speed.
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Videos and video reflection - students are asked to analyze, critique and evaluate their learning.
Practice - students are asked to use their problem solving skills
Practical Intelligence
Games - using rate and unit rate in context
Creative Intelligence
Dessert - Creating a poster or a contest
Resources
Cherry, K. (2015). Theories of intelligence. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/p/intelligence.htm
Sternberg, R. (2004). Successful intelligence in the classroom. Retrieved from http://arowe.pbworks.com/f/Sternberg_on_intelligences.pdf
Sternberg, R. & Grigorenko, E. (2007). Teaching for Successful Intelligence (Kindle version). Retrieved from Amazon.com
Sternberg, R. (n.d.). Robert J. Sternberg. Retrieved from http://www.robertjsternberg.com
The TriMind Strategy Guide. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://lcps.k12.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/The-TriMinder-Strategy-Guide.pdf
