In class, the
three stages of intellectual development have been discussed. These three stages include: the
dependence stage, the independence stage, as well as the interdependence
stage. The dependence stage is
where an individual’s intellect is developed through the influence of their
parents, church leaders, school teachers, television, peers, as well as through
various other factors. The
independence stage is when an individual begins to take ownership of his or her
own intellect. They may begin to
ask questions to learn and even take responsibility for their beliefs as well
as actions. The last stage of
intellectual development is known as the interdependence stage. In this stage, individuals share their
thoughts with others and even learn about the ideas of others.
It
is important to understand and implement the three stages of intellectual
development in counseling.
An enlightening article by Haensly and Arsons emphasizes the importance
of guiding individuals as they develop in these intellectual phases. As a counselor, it is important to
understand the various phases of intellectual development so that the client
may be effectively guided and led into a healthy direction of intellectual
growth. In Haensly and Arsons’
article the importance of mentoring as one grows in intellect is also
addresses. This article can be
found here: http://ejournals.ebsco.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/direct.asp?ArticleID=457E9F5C4E672176A815
After
taking a glimpse into the three stages of intellectual development, it became
evident that they provide the individual with various insights. These stages allow parents as well as
counselors to better understand the thought processes of developing
individuals. As a result, these
mentors will potentially be more equipped to help direct those seeking guidance
and intellect. Additionally, the
stages of intellectual development provide a foundation for understanding the
way an individuals functions. It
is beneficial to have this foundation so that individuals may be more
accurately understood and thus helped in times of crisis or difficulty.
I believe that this way of understanding an individual is very helpful when we think about our call to make disciples. As Paul mentored Timothy so are we commanded to find our Timothy and speak into lives and help grow them in the faith. Growing them in faith could be understood as helping them take responsibility for their faith and then telling others about it, becoming a Paul themselves. Great post.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed important to guide individuals as they develop and go through these stages of intellectual development. This is why I find it necessary and important to have older experienced friends or having accountability partners, for as we grow, we need others to encourage us and show us where to go. We need guidance as sometimes we feel lost. It is also our responsibility to mentor people who are younger than us as they go through these stages, and are in need of a positive example in their lives.
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