Special talents and defects : $b Their significance for educationHollingworth, Leta Stetter
Science
Special talents and defects : $b Their significance for education
Hollingworth, Leta Stetter
Educational psychology; Educational tests and measurements; Exceptional children
Studies thus far made would convince us that arithmetical skill consists
in the automatization and integration of a hierarchy of habits, which
can be acquired to a passable degree by all children of average
intelligence. Lightning calculation results from building up and
rendering automatic still further habits, and can be achieved by persons
of great general intelligence. It remains an open question whether a
generally stupid person can ever become a prodigious calculator, but it
seems certain that interest in and aptitude for arithmetic may be
especially marked in generally superior children.
Arithmetical ability may develop, without simultaneous development of
ability in other branches of mathematics. One may calculate
prodigiously, without comprehending algebraic and geometric principles,
or being interested in them. Also one may be more or less adept, either
by nature or by training, in one kind of arithmetical function than in
others.
Drill is the means for improving arithmetical ability, so far as speed
and accuracy of calculation are concerned. Ability in problem solving
can probably not be much affected by drill, since “a problem” is, by
definition, something that requires independent adjustment, and not the
response of automatic habit. It therefore calls on general intelligence,
and cannot be improved after the mechanics of reading and calculating
have been mastered up to the limits of capacity.
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GILLINGHAM, A.—_One Child’s Struggle in the Preparation for Life_;
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