Susan Wrege's extra credit Power Point presentation

1. The Foundations of Knowledge Intelligence, Thinking, and Geniuses!

2. How do we define intelligence? It just depends on who you ask! Intelligence according to… David Wechsler : Intelligence is the capacity to understand one’s world and the resourcefulness to cope with its challenges. Jean Piaget : Intelligence is an adaptation. Intelligence is assimilation to the extent that it incorporates all the given data of experience within its framework. American People (based on research study) : Intelligence consists of three sets of abilities including problem solving, verbal ability, and social competence. Michael Gardner: There are multiple intelligences. In fact, there are 7 types including verbal, logical, spatial, musical, body-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal. Robert Sternberg : We don’t have one type (or seven types) of intelligence, we have three types: analytical, creative, and practical. (Sterk, Marteney, 2008)

4. So, how do I become a genius? Firstly, understand that intelligence is different than thinking. We are born with a certain level of intelligence. Thinking is a skill, which can be practiced, altered and improved.

7. Wait, what’s a critical thinker exactly? I’m glad you asked! According to our text “Communicating Critical Thinking,” critical thinkers excel in the following abilities: 1.) Intellectually curious 2.) Open-minded 3.) Avoid “red-herrings” 4.) Know how to use anecdotes effectively 5.) Learn to handle confusion 6.) Are able to control emotion 7.) Sensitive to the needs of others 8.) Can distinguish between a conclusion that might be “true” and one they would like to be “true.” 9.) Know when to admit to not knowing something 10.) Seek a dialogical approach to the process of argument.

8. So then, what makes a genius? An article entitled “The Questioning Mind: Newton, Darwin, and Einstein” (criticalthinking.org) describes some interesting facts about these historical geniuses: *Newton, Darwin, and Einstein all hated school, and saw no purpose for it! *None of these geniuses did well academically in school! *Therefore, the greatest minds of our history were not possessed by the greatest students, but rather the greatest critical thinkers…the “questioning minds.” *So then, to become considered a "genius,” o ne need not be an A+ student! I nstead, it is the passion to discover through a questioning mind and a fervent dedication to searching and analyzing one's own ideas and thoughts that can lead to such a status

10. Acknowledgement: This power point presentation has been a review of the information found in the modules, articles, posts, and overall chapter entitled “The Foundations of Knowledge” from our “Communicating Critical Thinking” textbook (Sterk, Marteney, 2008.)