Characteristics of Intelligent Behavior

Thinking Flexibly

Examples:Able to approach problems from a different angle

Willing to consider alternate points of view

Thinking Flexibly

Supporting that characteristic in the classroom:

Brainstorm different ways to solve a problem.

Have students try more than one of those methods.

Questioning and Posing Problems

Examples:Asking questions

Developing problem-solving strategies to investigate their questions

Questioning and Posing Problems

Supporting that characteristic in the classroom:

Open the floor for student questions.

Have students work in groups to come up with word problems that model each situation, and solve together.

Thinking Interdependently

Examples:Working with others

Learning from others

Thinking Interdependently

Supporting that characteristic in the classroom:

Form groups of students with mixed skill levels. Have them complete a project together which each student being responsible for equal amounts of work.

Thinking and Communicating with Clarity

and Precision

Examples:Communicating with accuracy

Thinking and Communicating with Clarity

and Precision

Supporting that characteristic in the classroom:

Have students teach part of a lesson.

Have the teaching student pose questions to the class to see how well he was understood.

Have the teaching student open the floor for questions to see how clearly understood his answers are.

Managing Impulsivity

Examples:

Exercising self control

Thinking before acting

Managing Impulsivity

Supporting that characteristic in the classroom:

Have students raise their hands and wait to be called on.

Striving for Accuracy

Examples:

Reviewing directions

Taking time to check work

Hesitating to come to a conclusion with limited information

Striving for Accuracy

Supporting that characteristic in the classroom:

Ask students to double check work before turning it in.

When a student answers a question in class, ask him to defend his answer.

Responding with Wonderment and Awe

Examples:

Experiencing joy throughout the learning process

Responding withWonderment and Awe

Supporting that characteristic in the classroom:

Ask students what they enjoy doing. Find ways that math can be involved in these things.

Create hands-on learning experiences for the students to become engaged in.