There are two types of intelligence Fluid intelligence (Gf) and crystallized intelligence(Gc). Each one has a different context and ways of acquiring. Overemphasis on one affects the other though they are actually two different silos. Fluid intelligence is our ability to think creatively and logically to find solutions in unfamiliar settings. There are no previous learnings to fall back on. It is, therefore, using our logical frame of mind to find a solution in an unknown territory. On the other hand, crystallized intelligence is the ability to utilize all our previously acquired knowledge and database in a way that could be measured on a scale. It is akin to giving an examination in which we have memorized all the possible answers to all possible questions. In that sense, it is the lifetime of our acquired knowledge stored in the brain. One can see any people who can recite instantly the telephone numbers, name capitals, provide correct spellings etc.
Now the central point of my argument is that present-day vocational skilling is overemphasizing crystallized intelligence through tests, drawing books and manuals. This results in a robot-like learning and behaviour pattern that kills the ‘how and why’ of learning. In India, the results of the matriculation examination day are a matter of great anxiety in many homes. The student who gets 99% of the marks is touted as a genius. His/her interviews are published prominently in newspapers. How he or she put in hard work and studied for 8 to 10 hours is publicised. What happens to such ‘intelligent’ whiz kids in their later years is a matter of study and may throw many surprises. Too much stress on tests, grades, and percentages has done nothing but give ulcers to students and their parents. The training material has to be designed in such a way that encourages creativity, and curiosity and stimulates the mind to think out of the box. That will sharpen the fluid intelligence. A study of the Olympic champions demonstrates that they spend their time in meditation, listening to music, taking a walk in the garden, painting, doing yoga etc. In other words, the focus is on getting the body and the mind charged positively. In this context, the well-perfected system of Indian meditation is worth mentioning. Once the mind is bereft of any preconceived ideas it works in a way that finds newer and better solutions to problems. The point here is that we must have less emphasis on academic pursuits and more on non-academic pursuits. Pretty controversial statement but that’s what it is. Once the student has developed his or her creative faculties of asking questions and exploring new options that becomes the base for crystalized intelligence. While both Gf and Cf are dependent on each other, they are related in different ways. Crystallized intelligence does not affect an individual’s fluid intelligence, however, an enhanced Gf can alter one’s Gc. In fact, those with better Gf rates acquire more knowledge at a faster rate. With these results, it follows that having a bigger capacity for learning can have a positive impact on individual learning ability. To conclude could we not deemphasise the role of tests, grades and manuals in the vocational training and substitute it by adopting non-conventional ways of enabling the youth to find their ways in solving problems? Let their mind and body be tuned to explore the logic in things. Am sure they will turn out to be better and more productive professionals in their lives.
