Uncovering the “Hidden Intellectualism” in Your Classroom: A Review of the PDF
As educators, we face the monumental task of engaging students in the learning process. One challenge we often encounter is how to tap into what academic scholar Gerald Graff calls “hidden intellectualism” – the intellectual potential of students outside the academic realm. In his article, “Hidden Intellectualism,” Graff proposes that we can do a better job of engaging students by tapping into their interests and passions outside the classroom. In this blog post, we’ll explore Graff’s ideas and how they can help you unleash the hidden intellect of your students.
What is “hidden intellectualism”?
According to Graff, hidden intellectualism refers to the intellectual potential that students possess outside the academic realm. He argues that students often have rich intellectual lives outside the classroom, such as in popular culture, sports, and other areas of daily life. Graff contends that students who are actively engaged in a subject outside the classroom are more likely to become better learners.
How can you tap into hidden intellectualism?
To tap into students’ hidden intellectualism, Graff suggests that educators should begin by doing the following:
1. Identify areas of interest – Take the time to get to know your students and find out what they are passionate about. This could be anything from sports to music to video games. Once you know their interests, you can use them to connect with their academic work.
2. Engage students in discussions – Once you’ve identified their areas of interest, start discussing them in class. This will help students connect their interests to academic concepts and develop a better understanding of the subject matter.
3. Use popular culture – Popular culture is a rich source of hidden intellectualism. Use movies, TV shows, and music to teach students about themes and concepts related to your subject. This can help engage students who don’t see themselves as “academic.”
4. Make connections – Try to find connections between academic subjects and students’ interests. For example, if a student is interested in video games, use game theory to teach mathematical concepts. Making connections like this can help students see the value of academic subjects in their daily lives.
Why is tapping into hidden intellectualism important?
According to Graff, tapping into hidden intellectualism is important for several reasons. First, it helps engage students who may not be interested in academic subjects. By connecting academic work to areas of interest, students are more likely to see the relevance of the subject matter and become more engaged in learning. Additionally, by tapping into hidden intellectualism, we can help students build better critical thinking skills. Students who are engaged in subjects outside the academic realm are more likely to think critically about those subjects, which can help them develop those skills in other areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tapping into hidden intellectualism is a powerful tool for educators. By identifying students’ areas of interest, engaging them in discussions, using popular culture, and making connections, we can help them see the relevance and value of academic subjects. This can lead to increased engagement, better critical thinking skills, and a more well-rounded education. So why not try tapping into hidden intellectualism in your classroom today? Your students may surprise you with their hidden intellect.
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