The Characteristics of:
Intelligent Behavior
1. Drawing on knowledge and applying it to new situations.
Means to teach students how to apply school-based knowledge to real-life situations.
One example of using this in my classroom would be when I have my students perform character interviews. Not only do they have to practice communication skills, but they have to take on the role of a different person other than themselves in a mock interview in front of the class. This also prepares them for communicating during job interviews and meetings.
2. Creating, Imagining, and Innovating.
Means to teach students the value of feedback.
One example of using this in my classroom would be when my students critique each others' performances. They give each other 2 stars (2 things they think that person did well) and 2 wishes (2 things they think the person could improve). Students then rehearse with the improvements they have made based on the class critiques.
3. Responding with wonderment and awe and thinking interdependently.
Means that teachers encourage students with "I can" and help them to have a sense of "I enjoy" when they are working on an assignment.
One example of using this in my classroom would be when I have 8th grade students create their own scripted scene. They have to create their own storyline and script. They also must decide what each person's role is within the group (actor, crew, costume, director,etc.) This gives students an idea of "I can" and they usually enjoy creating their own scenes.
4. Using all the senses.
Means to have students use all their sensory input channels (verbal, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic)
In theatre, we are constantly using all of our senses. For example, we write scenes, act, choreograph dances, practice stage combat, design sets, etc.
5. Thinking flexibly.
Means that students approach a problem from a new angle. They learn from different points of view.
I practice this characteristic in multiple ways in my classroom. One example is when students take on a character on stage. They must first research that character. They have to know the character's background and what their motivation is. They have to be able to take on the character's point of view. Students also practice this characteristic when they work in scene groups with each other. Sometimes, they all have different points of view of the scene or the set and they have to discuss each point of view and decide what will work for the group as a whole.