This paper starts off by identifying the term ‘intelligence’ as problematic, which would fit with my instinct, It goes on, however, to make a valid case for it being a useful term in contemporary education, but qualifies this by looking at a variety of definitions. I guess this is a core idea for education. Perhaps I should have a better idea of what intelligence is and hence consider how to enhance, or not stifle, it.
The notion of general cognitive ability (or ‘intelligence’) is explored and why the time might now be ripe for educators to re-consider the power offered by a general intellectual capacity which is itself amenable to educational influence. We review existing knowledge concerning general intelligence, including the cohabitation of general and special abilities, cognitive modules, development, and evidence for plasticity of the general processor. We examine why this knowledge is generally absent from educational practice and present a number of models that attempt to synthesise the main aspects of current psychological theories. We explore how the models might be used in educational applications and look at examples of effective cognitive stimulation considering both practicalities and theoretical notions of what in our cognitive models is affected by stimulation. We discuss finally the possible political, cultural and social barriers to the inclusion of general ability as central to educational aims.
http://www.edu.u-szeged.hu/%7Ecsapo/publ/AdeyCsapoDemetriouHautamakiShayer.pdf
Moving Forward 