Intellectual Skill
Intellectual Skill
Intellectual skills have been linked to critical thinking and are thought to be the core element of
this procedure. They include:
Analysis
Interpretation
Explanation
Evaluation
Meta-cognition
It is accepted that anybody who is involved with a critical thinking process will come to
conclusions based on a number of things such as gaining evidence through making observations;
looking at things in context; recognizing relevant criteria and using it to make a good judgment;
applying techniques or methods to enable judgment to be made; and applying theoretical
constructs so that a question or problem can be understood.
It is also accepted that as well as being in possession of good critical thinking skills, having
intellectual skills as well means that someone must be able to be logical whilst at the same time
apply that logic broadly and clearly in order to encompass accuracy, credibility, relevance, depth,
breadth, precision, fairness and significance.
Critical thinking is a process whereby problems can be recognized in the first instance so that
methods of resolving them can be employed. The importance of prioritizing is understood as is
the order of precedence. The process involves gathering relevant information and being able to
interpret information and data so that evaluations can be made and generalizations and
conclusions can also be come to, after which these can be put to the test. Critical thinking also
demands that previous beliefs, judgments and decisions are not set in stone and that they can be
adjusted as evidence and experience dictate.
A student will acquire a foundation of intellectual and practical skills including communication,
quantitative reasoning, qualitative reasoning (critical, analytical, and creative thinking), and
technical and information literacies.
Communication
A student will be able to:
Write and speak effectively in a variety of settings (e.g. academic, civic and professional)
Appropriately use the conventions associated with writing and speaking
Acquire an awareness of audience and purpose
Understand the intent and impact of performed, spoken, written or visual texts
Quantitative Reasoning
A student will be able to:
Understand, interpret and represent mathematical information using symbolic, visual, numerical
and verbal conventions
Solve problems using numeric, algebraic, geometric and statistical methods
Use quantitative information in context, and determine reasonableness of results
Use appropriate mathematical tools in problem solving (e.g. calculators, computers,
measurement instruments and manipulatives)
Information Literacy
A student will be able to:
Use library, multi-media, computer technology and other information sources to access, process
and deliver information
Access information ethically, legally, effectively and efficiently
Evaluate the credibility of information
Technical Literacy
A student will be able to:
Make informed judgments about the value and risk of emerging technologies
Adapt to and utilize emerging technologies
Communicate knowledgeably regarding technological issues
As children get older, parents should continue seeking out games and pastimes that are
intellectually stimulating. Kids should be encouraged to join clubs and organisations that cater to
their interests and when feasible, parents should allow their children to take music instruction as
it has been shown to increase children's overall capacity to learn.