Intelligence
Determining
intelligence through testing has and still is a controversial topic. Here in the U.S., standardized testing is one
of the number one ways of determining an individual’s IQ. This can be contradicting in my opinion
because many people don’t do well testing.
Some experience anxiety which can result in the inability to concentrate
and scoring low on a test. Hands on and
oral is a good way to test. It all
depends on the individual. I have a 14
year old who was given an IQ test for the gifted program at school because of a
recommendation from his teacher and he passed it. He has a friend that was also recommended but
he did not pass the test. The
environment was that same but how one child can do well and the other poorly
but both had the grades to get recommended.
This is why it is important to consider all factors when accessing
children. In considering “the whole
child,” it is important to note that a hands on assessment may produce a
different result than a standardized test.
Because children learn
differently, based on culture and inclusive environments. Testing can be useful to determine disabilities,
problem-solving skills, and instruction design.
In recent years,
researchers in Asia and elsewhere have found that people in non-Western
cultures often have ideas about intelligence that differ fundamentally from
those that have shaped Western intelligence tests (Benson, 2003). Eventually, it
may also help researchers design new intelligence tests that are sensitive to
the values of the cultures in which they are used. There is a problem when
trying to compare intelligence of different cultures in terms of standards,
values, and concepts. "On the one hand, mindless application of the same
tests across cultures is desired by no one," she suggests. "On the
other, everyone would like to be able to do at least some comparisons of people
across cultures (Benson, 2003).”I have seen stories on television regarding how important math and science are to the Asian culture. I can remember one story of an Asian young man who was in college, committed suicide because he felt he was a disappointment to his family because he made a “C” in college. Intelligence is very important in the Asian culture. Some attend school for the majority of the day compared to the 6.5 hours the children in the U.S. attend school.
In assessing children, the ultimate goal is to determine a plan that fits the need of the child. It is ok to use standardized test for determine learning disabilities, take into account the behavior of the child during testing. If the child appears uncomfortable and scores low on the test, I think that another method needs to be considered. Oral testing is also an option.
Benson, E. (2003, February). Intelligence across cultures. Retrieved
August 8, 2014, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb03/intelligence.aspx
