Expanding Conceptions of Intelligence: Lessons Learned from Refugees and Newcomers to Canada

Abstract

This qualitative study examines dimensions of emotional intelligence and, more specifically, the growth of resilience through the experiences and challenges of ten refugee and newcomer adult learners who were either children or teenagers during times of conflict and war. Despite their hardships, learners interviewed in this study showed resourcefulness, empathy, optimism, sensitivity, and an openness to starting life in a new culture. These qualities have been linked to intra and interpersonal dimensions of intelligence proposed by theorists like Howard Gardner and Robert Sternberg. Ten teachers who work with either adolescents or adults from war affected backgrounds were also interviewed. This study took place in Winnipeg, Canada—a moderately sized Canadian city, and home to increasing numbers of new immigrants and refugees from different corners of the world. The inclusive model to curriculum design based on Renzulli's (1977, 2001) enrichment triad model is suggested as one way to make learning more meaningful for both youth and adults from war affected backgrounds.