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.

Paper Clips

I thought this movie was really good in many ways. I thought it was good that it was made by students and shown to students. I think this is good because they can relate to each other better than other options.

Although I am not sure there is ever a time to discuss this event because it is so intense, I think that kids at that age will be impacted more and it will effect them more in the future. Kids at that age are innocent and oblivious so I think it was okay to have them experience that information at that age even though the content may not be completely age appropriate.

I do not think that kids can be assessed on the impact of something like this. I think the knowledge can be assessed in tests or something but to see a change in the way they think, which i believe was one of their goals in this project cannot be proven.

I think that the kids giving the tours for other schools is a positive! It makes them responsible for knowing the information and also gives them a feeling of individual contribution.