If we as educators are concerned about the holistic development of a child, why do we separate the parts of their development when they are tested (Monique, 2011). When considering a commitment to children's holistic development, we must explore more than a child's intelligence score. If we are going to truly teach children in a holistic manner, then we must evaluate children in a holistic manner. School-age children should be assessed in all areas of development to arm the teachers with the information needed to help the child be successful. Monique mentions in her recent blog, that IQ tests measure a child's potential instead of achievement and does not include factors such as culture or emotions (Monique, 2011). To be cognizant of a child's holistic development, culture and lifestyle factors must be considered as well as cognitive, social, emotional, motor domains.
In an online article in Brainy Child it was said that when a gifted child from India is tested, "a thorough assessment will take into account the whole child, and will also look at how the child is adapting socially and emotionally to being "different". As part if these assessments, information about the child is collected from a variety of sources such as parent, teacher, caregiver. This speaks to the holistic approach. Gifted children always interest me because these are the children who most teachers feel do not obey the rules or try to cause chaos in the classroom, when typically it is the exact opposite. Gifted children are trying to figure out details in the structure of the day or activities.
In an online article in Brainy Child it was said that when a gifted child from India is tested, "a thorough assessment will take into account the whole child, and will also look at how the child is adapting socially and emotionally to being "different". As part if these assessments, information about the child is collected from a variety of sources such as parent, teacher, caregiver. This speaks to the holistic approach. Gifted children always interest me because these are the children who most teachers feel do not obey the rules or try to cause chaos in the classroom, when typically it is the exact opposite. Gifted children are trying to figure out details in the structure of the day or activities.
Monique, D. W. (2011, October 14). Re: What's the big deal about testing? [Blog message]. Retrieved from http://www.littlemindsteps.wordpress.com.
Is your child gifted? Brainy Child. Retrieved from http://www.brainy-child.com/article/gifted-child.shtml
I appreciate you comment on when testing a child, the test does not take into account culture. I work in a school where many of the children have never left their street. How can they be expected to answer questions about farms when they have no prior knowledge to help them with their answer?
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