Ottery's Josefina Gori on the subject of intelligence

As a language teacher with 44 years of experience, I've often pondered the question of intelligence. I'm sure many others have also contemplated it, yet the answer remains elusive. My extensive teaching experience, which includes preparing and examining students for their oral exams, has provided me with unique insights that I'm eager to share.

Before we delve into the topic, let's define 'intelligence.' The Oxford Dictionary describes it as 'the ability to learn, understand and think in a logical way about things.' However, Collins' definition, 'the ability to learn or understand from experience,' resonates more with my teaching involvement. I've observed that the more diverse experiences a student is exposed to, the more they develop their own opinions and appear more intelligent.

The golden rule for a student to achieve a good result in the oral exam, among others, is to be prepared to explain why they answered yes or no to a question asked by the examiner. This ability to explain is closely related to the experiences parents have provided to their children, which help them develop their own opinions. Discovering what subjects a student is passionate about and encouraging them to talk about it during the exam is essential. This approach gave my students a fair opportunity, as not all have had the same experiences at home. But let's see what the experts say.

Trying to explain the "genetics" of intelligence, it is interesting to see that there is a consensus that we inherit our intelligence from our mothers as the intelligence genes are carried on the X chromosomes. Women have two of these, while men only have one. While there is no "intelligence gene," research suggests that multiple genes are involved in determining intelligence. However research also makes it clear that genetics are not the only determinant of intelligence – only 40 to 60 per cent of intelligence is estimated to be hereditary, leaving a similar chunk dependent on the environment. Our genetics may provide us with an intellectual capacity, but our environment determines whether we reach our potential. So, how do those environmental factors and personal experiences significantly make you more or less intelligent than others?

I always believed that with the right encouragement for solving conundrums; following creative approaches; seeking to understand more about all kinds of topics, being inquisitive, expressing original or novel thoughts or ideas, collaborating with others toward a common goal and life-long exposure to stimulating people, places, experiences and ideas; as well as good health, nutritious food, fresh air, and exercise, that person's intelligence would be likely function at the top of that range. With constant discouragement, pressure to conform, lack of exposure to the positive factors listed above, and having parents or teachers who consistently undermined a child's self-esteem because they felt threatened by the child's intellect, disease or malnutrition, that individual would be more likely to function toward the bottom of that range.

Having greater intelligence undoubtedly gives you a head start, but unless you keep going, someone with more drive, making a more significant effort, and tenacity will pass you up every time. That was why I always believed that as an educator, it was more important to encourage my students to achieve, not because they wanted to please their parents or tutors but because they were convinced it was the right thing for them to do. That would give them the confidence to achieve even at the most challenging times.

I hope this will empower other tutors and parents to realize that if we want 'intelligent and successful children, it can only be achieved with our collaboration. Our role will always be to provide those children with the experiences I mentioned above. Meanwhile, fathers, do not despair. Although you might not have provided the 'intelligent gene,' you have more opportunities to provide your child with the stimuli needed than your 'always busy' wife.