Schemata in the Classroom

What is intelligence? Does it matter? What is an educator's role in relation to a student, and how does intelligence play into that relationship?

Merriam-Webster defines intelligence as "the ability to learn or understand things or to deal with new or difficult situations." Modern educators recognize the role of schemata- patterns of thought or behavior informed by experience- in a student's knowledge base. Schemata directly affect a student's progress in the classroom. A schema is, in a sense, trained behavior. When certain behaviors produce a consistent response or outcome, a new schema is created. While it is tempting to assess a student's progress as a measure of that student's intelligence, it can just as readily be attributed to the student's schemata, and how the instructor's method of teaching is received. Is the instructor factoring in a student's existing schemata? An excellent instructor adapts. An exceptional instructor can actually create new schemata for the student, as well.

Modern educators assume that all students are equally capable of learning or understanding new things. Modern educators postulate that if a student is not progressing, this is ultimately the fault of the teacher. While it is undeniable that there are factors outside of a teacher's realm of control- home life, parent involvement, the student's core values and beliefs- an effective teacher understands that in the classroom, a teacher has the ability to shape schemata. If a student seems reticent to put forth effort, does this mean the student is lazy? An effective teacher does not label a student who is not progressing, but rather strives to determine the underlying cause. Desire informs action. Understanding a student's motivations and aspirations can help a teacher adjust her approach.

While personalized and individualized education is clearly preferable to a student's ability to progress, it does put a heavy burden on the teacher. This is especially true when dealing with a large classroom of very diverse students from different backgrounds and with different educational needs. Technology can aid the teacher in adapting to an individual student's needs. Excellent educators continually look for new ways to use technology to better help each student progress.