Blog Post #10

One thing I found very interesting in the chapter was the section on animal thinking and language. We often don't think that animals are very smart, but they are smarter than we think they are. Apes and chimps have showed the ability to solve problems and to think ahead for the future. Chimpanzees even develop local customs unique to their own group. This is similar to humans' cultural diversity. Scientists have trained apes to use sign language to communicate. Some apes know over 180 signs. They can communicate how they feel and what they want with their trainers that speak sign language. Not only do they communicate with trainers but they can communicate with anyone who knows sign language. I found this amazing. I think it would be really cool to go and talk with some apes and hang out with them for a day. Not only could you help to teach them, but think of all the things they could teach you. They learn how to use different objects as tools to get what they want.
Creativity is the ability to produce novel and valuable ideas. I feel as if I am pretty creative. In my opinion I have each of the five components of creativity. My knowledge is well developed and I am in a somewhat creative environment. Anyone that hangs out with me knows I have a pretty good imagination. I'm always thinking of different ideas. I usually don't actually go through with the ideas but they are good ideas at the time. I am always thinking of fun and creative things to do. I also have a venturesome personality. If there is a good chance that I will survive then ill try it. If you don't believe that I'll do something, just ask a friend that has gone swimming at my pond. Two friends and I built a giant water slide that shoots you into the pond. Yes it has had issues that need to be fixed but overall your risk of injury is probably like 5%. I also have intrinsic motivation. I am drivin to get things done that are interesting. If I have something boring to do I get it done first and fast so I have more time for interesting things. I guess ya the only part of that I don't have is the money part. I like money and ya say are two jobs, one that is interesting and one that pays $100, I am going with the $100. I guess having creative intelligence can be a pretty good asset. You seem to have more fun when you come up with fun, new things to do.
The section that I found most interesting in Chapter 10 was the section on Sternberg's three intelligences. I agree with the idea that there are multiple intelligences. Most of us already know that there are different types of intelligence. In today's world most people call these common sense smart and book smart. Most of us know someone that is really smart when it comes to school, but in everyday situations they seem well stupid. Its the same with kids that are really smart common sense wise, but when it comes to school they struggle. Some people are both book smart and common sense smart. I like the idea in the book about including common sense questions on the SAT and other college tests. Not everyone is book smart and not everyone is common sense smart. This would balance out the test so it is for everyone.