IQ testing... fair?

In one of our group discussions, the idea of IQ testing was brought up. The more we discussed this, the more I thought IQ testing is unfair.

IQ tests are not fair to all people because people come from different places, with different backgrounds, and different experiences. The majority of the group agreed with this conclusion.

There are many variables that are put into taking an IQ test. Not only is it unfair to test different people from different areas with the same test, but some people do not test well at all. Emotions and feelings play a role in this topic.

We thought there should be a better way to assess knowledge other than a standardized test.

Basketball Game & Vygotsky's Theory

So, instead of going to class last Monday I went to the Crestwood boy's basketball game in Cresco. However as I was there, I observed a theory we have been talking about; Vygotsky's Theory. According to Vygotsky, mental functions have external, or social, connections. Vygotsky also stresses the importance of social influence especially in instruction on a child's cognitive development. Also, he discusses the zone of proximal development (ZPD). This term referrs to tasks that are too difficult for a child to master alone, but can be learned with guidance and assistance.

The basketball game reflects Vygotsky's theory well. In basketball the coach becomes the external instructional influence Vygotsky referrs to. Players are able to perform the skills on their own, however to play as a team and combine their skills with those of others requires the help of the coach. This is an example of the (ZPD) term.