Making Kids Cleverer

1. Intelligence is malleable and can be improved through education

If we want to make children more creative and better critical thinkers, we need first to make them cleverer.

Intelligence is not fixed. While some aspects of intelligence, like fluid intelligence, may be less malleable, crystallized intelligence – our accumulated knowledge and skills – can be significantly improved through education. This improvement is not just about test scores; it translates into real-world benefits.

Education makes a difference. Research has shown that each additional year of schooling can increase IQ scores by several points. This effect is particularly pronounced for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, suggesting that education can be a powerful equalizer. The Flynn effect – the observed rise in IQ scores over time – further supports the idea that intelligence can be improved through environmental factors, including better education.

Key points:

• Fluid intelligence: Innate cognitive capacity
• Crystallized intelligence: Acquired knowledge and skills
• Flynn effect: Rising IQ scores over generations

2. Knowledge is the foundation of intelligence and critical thinking

You are what you know.

Knowledge fuels thinking. Contrary to popular belief, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity are not generic skills that can be taught in isolation. They are domain-specific and rely heavily on a robust foundation of knowledge. The more you know about a subject, the better equipped you are to think critically and creatively within that domain.

Memory and intelligence are intertwined. Our ability to reason and solve problems depends on the information stored in our long-term memory. As we acquire more knowledge, we create richer mental schemas that allow us to process new information more efficiently and make novel connections. This process is cumulative – the more you know, the easier it becomes to learn new things.

Types of knowledge:

• Declarative: Facts and concepts
• Procedural: Skills and processes
• Tacit: Intuitive understanding gained through experience

3. Explicit instruction and practice are crucial for learning

Practice makes permanent.

Direct instruction is effective. While discovery-based learning has its place, research consistently shows that explicit instruction is more effective for novice learners. This approach involves clear explanations, worked examples, and guided practice, which help students build strong mental models of new concepts.

Purposeful practice leads to mastery. Simply repeating a task is not enough to improve performance. Effective practice involves:

• Setting specific goals
• Focusing intently on the task
• Receiving immediate feedback
• Pushing beyond comfort zones

The process of learning:

1. Cognitive stage: Conscious effort and mistakes
2. Associative stage: Fewer errors, increased fluency
3. Autonomous stage: Skill becomes automatic

4. Working memory limitations affect learning and problem-solving

Formal schooling offers little hope of narrowing cognitive inequality on a large scale in developed countries, because so much of its contribution has already been realized with the advent of universal twelve-year systems.

Working memory is a bottleneck. Our working memory can only hold about four chunks of information at a time. This limitation significantly impacts our ability to learn new information and solve complex problems. Understanding this constraint is crucial for designing effective learning experiences.

Chunking improves cognitive capacity. As we become more knowledgeable in a domain, we can group related pieces of information into single "chunks," effectively expanding our working memory capacity. This process allows experts to handle complex tasks that would overwhelm novices.

Strategies to manage cognitive load:

• Break complex tasks into smaller steps
• Use visual aids to support verbal explanations
• Eliminate unnecessary distractions
• Provide worked examples for novice learners

5. Cultural literacy empowers individuals and promotes social mobility

Knowledge is power.

Cultural capital matters. Possessing a broad base of culturally relevant knowledge – often referred to as cultural literacy – provides individuals with significant advantages in education, career, and social interactions. This knowledge allows people to participate more fully in society and access opportunities that might otherwise be closed to them.

Balancing tradition and progress. While it's important to acknowledge the contributions of diverse cultures and historically marginalized groups, there's also value in teaching a core of traditional knowledge that has shaped our society. The goal should be to equip students with the tools to understand, critique, and contribute to the ongoing cultural conversation.

Components of cultural literacy:

• Historical knowledge
• Scientific understanding
• Artistic and literary references
• Current events and social issues
• Technological literacy

6. Schools play a vital role in shaping peer culture and closing achievement gaps

What happened to Charlie is fiction. Our efforts to make children cleverer will not end in this way.

Peer effects are powerful. The social environment in schools significantly influences students' attitudes towards learning and academic achievement. Schools can shape this peer culture by setting high expectations, fostering a love of learning, and creating an environment where academic success is valued and celebrated.

Closing the gap requires targeted efforts. While all students can benefit from improved educational practices, those from disadvantaged backgrounds often have the most to gain. Schools can help level the playing field by:

• Providing access to rich, culturally relevant knowledge
• Using explicit instruction methods
• Offering additional support and resources where needed
• Creating a positive peer culture that values academic achievement

Factors influencing student achievement:

• Socioeconomic background
• Peer influences
• Teacher quality
• School resources and culture

7. Struggle and challenge are essential for cognitive growth

Struggle is worthwhile because it's the only way in which we continue to improve.

Desirable difficulties enhance learning. While it may seem counterintuitive, introducing controlled challenges and difficulties into the learning process can lead to better long-term retention and understanding. These "desirable difficulties" force students to engage more deeply with the material and strengthen their mental representations.

Balance is key. While struggle is important, it's crucial to strike a balance between challenge and support. Students need to experience success to maintain motivation and build self-efficacy. The goal is to provide challenges that are just beyond their current abilities, pushing them to grow without overwhelming them.

Examples of desirable difficulties:

• Spaced practice: Spreading learning over time
• Interleaving: Mixing different types of problems
• Retrieval practice: Testing knowledge from memory
• Varied practice: Changing the conditions of learning

8. Metacognition and self-testing enhance learning and retention

Metacognitive judgements are the assessments children make about how well they have learned particular information – that is, how likely it is they will remember the material when given an exam question.

Thinking about thinking improves learning. Metacognition – the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes – is a powerful tool for enhancing learning. By teaching students to monitor their own comprehension and learning strategies, we can help them become more effective, self-directed learners.

Self-testing beats passive review. One of the most effective learning strategies is retrieval practice – actively trying to recall information from memory. This process strengthens memory traces and helps identify gaps in understanding. Encourage students to:

• Use flashcards and practice tests
• Explain concepts in their own words
• Apply knowledge to new situations

Benefits of metacognition:

• Improved self-awareness
• Better study habits
• Enhanced problem-solving skills
• Increased academic performance

9. A broad, balanced curriculum of powerful knowledge benefits all students

What we know is composed both of what we are able to bring to mind and consciously think about and those things we're not always aware of but which we think with.

Powerful knowledge opens doors. A curriculum focused on rich, culturally significant knowledge provides students with the tools to understand and engage with the world around them. This approach benefits all students, but can be particularly transformative for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Balance is crucial. While core academic subjects are important, a truly balanced curriculum should also include:

• Arts and humanities
• Physical education and health
• Social and emotional learning
• Practical and vocational skills

Characteristics of powerful knowledge:

• Conceptual: Allows for abstract thinking
• Generalizable: Applicable across contexts
• Empowering: Enables critique and innovation
• Culturally significant: Connects to broader societal conversations

10. Making children cleverer can lead to happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives

If we want our children to be happier, healthier and more successful, to live long and to earn more, then it will pay to try to make them cleverer.

Intelligence correlates with positive outcomes. Research consistently shows that higher intelligence is associated with a range of positive life outcomes, including:

• Better physical and mental health
• Higher income and job satisfaction
• Longer life expectancy
• Greater social engagement and civic participation

A rising tide lifts all boats. By focusing on making all children cleverer, we can create a society that is more prosperous, innovative, and equitable. While individual differences will always exist, raising the overall level of intelligence can lead to broad societal benefits.

Potential societal benefits of increased intelligence:

• Economic growth and innovation
• Improved public health
• Enhanced democratic participation
• Reduced crime rates
• Greater social cohesion and understanding

Last updated: July 21, 2024