Intelligence is important in the sense that it gives a person a sense of identity. Though it is debunked in the studies mentioned in the readings, many people still believe that it is a predictor of success and they can’t be blamed because it is a part of our ideology – from the time we were conceived, our parents or people surrounding us already had notions of what is considered successful and how intelligence is used to achieve it especially in a country beset by poverty. Being poor is synonymous to being dull and rich, the opposite. Though that may be partly true because the impoverished have little to no access to quality education in our country, the very same circumstances propel the poor to rise above them. They are armed with potent motivations, attitudes, and behaviors to succeed and some actually do.
Intelligence is a significant predictor, but it is not the only chance at being a winner in life. It seems that life is fair, after all. From the readings, I am very glad to be stripped of my own misconceptions of intelligence:
- that it is fixed.
- that is not only growth mindset that matters.
You are correct. I am now a fan of Carol Dweck, the proponent of growth mindset. I am very thankful for this course because it has helped me deal with my insecurities. I also believe that intelligence coupled with the right attitude and beliefs help us reach our personal goals and potential at happiness and success unlike the thinking that intelligence is unchangeable from when we were little. As I see it, a successful me would have a mind that consistently learns, healthy friendships and relationships as well mental and physical health, lots of money in the pocket and in the bank, happy parents and future family, a role in my circle that earns respect and trust, and never-ending goals to serve and have a place in the society where I belong. You are also correct in that my ideals are far from my reality now.
It seems that I haven’t been using the intelligence (a product from my genes and wealth of learning and experience) I have intelligently for a long while. I was (and still am) easily overwhelmed by seemingly big challenges in different aspects of my life that is, in my work, studies, and personal relationships. I would give up occasionally and settle for a smaller goal and that is a huge disappointment and disservice to what I can really offer. (Don’t worry as this won’t be overly dramatic.)
From Dweck’s simple yet powerful explanations, I could understand that our beliefs make up our reality. Our mind strongly influences our actions and if we feed it daily with positive affirmations and enjoy the process of steadily growing and achieving small goals whether they be in our studies or work, we can gain momentum and confidence in our capabilities. Using intelligence intelligently means that even if we think something is hard for our brains to take in at the moment, we should continue to carry on knowing that with the right mentors, environment, and amount of work we put in, we can find solutions and expect good results. We have to trust the process.
Also, she advised for people to have mixed mindsets. If my understanding is correct, we should point out if something is amiss despite continuous effort, and that is where fixed mindset comes in. There are still standards to be met and though we haven’t come to them – yet – we should bravely work to go through those expectations and that is something that cannot be changed – the happiness of reaching/completing a goal. That is where both fixed and mixed mindsets are complementing each other.
As an educator, I hope to use this meaningful concept effectively to help those students who are like myself – having a hard time but still trying to find and trusting that there is a light in the way.
Sources:
Dweck, C. (2014). The power of believing that you can improve. [TED Talk]
Dweck, C. (2015). Carol Dweck Revisits the ‘Growth Mindset’. Education Week
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