Educators' perceptions of learners' intelligences.

Abstract

Educators from schools located in the Midlands region of KwaZulu Natal were approached to participate in the present study with the aim of investigating educators' perceptions of their learners' intelligence. School type differences in educator estimates of their learners' overall and multiple intelligences, and the best predictors of learners' overall intelligence were investigated. Information was elicited pertaining to educators' views on intelligence and the multiple intelligences most valued in pedagogical practice. A questionnaire was administered to educators from Previously Disadvantaged High and Primary Schools, and Ex-Model C High and Primary Schools. Educators from Previously Disadvantaged High Schools gave comparatively lower estimations of their male and female learners' intelligences. Mathematical and verbal intelligence were shown to predominate as the foundations for academic intelligence, especially for male learners, while cultural and social intelligences were included as best predictors of female learners' overall intelligence. A preponderance of the Western associated academic intelligences (mathematical and verbal) was demonstrated in pedagogical practices. The study highlights the need to engage with educators' implicit perceptions of intelligence to facilitate change in education.