What Is Mental Age?
It is not to anyone’s surprise that for a long-time mental age has been equated to chronological age. The prevalence is such that the same understanding is still being used in schools, which is the most crucial period for mental development.
The whole system is designed to put the capabilities and potential of a child within the rigid limits of academic performance.
However, 21st-century skills demand these limitations be broken. While both ages are expressed numerically, the difference essentially lies in what is being measured.
People often use the two interchangeably which becomes a reason why enough emphasis is not laid on the advancement of mental age. Chronological age is the number of years that have passed since birth, whereas mental age is related to intelligence and the learning quotient.
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Before we discuss how you can work on the mental age of your child, let’s understand the key differences between mental age and chronological age, and then we will share Konshius’ game-based learning framework for bridging these gaps.
Mental Age is a person’s mental ability and capacity, which can be assessed through various tests. These tests encompass problems, that are not conventionally taught in schools, to measure aspects like:
* The ability to do logical analysis and comprehend the interrelationships of the concrete and abstract.
* The ability to use blocks for analyzing and reproducing abstract designs; working from whole to part and reconstruction.
* The ability to perceive a 3D model and its translation into a linear model.
* The skills of visual perception, organization, and reasoning with visually presented nonverbal material.
* The adeptness required for mental sequencing and mental manipulation of information.
* The ability to organize attention, short-term auditory memory, visuospatial imaging, and processing speed.
And, many other aspects to ascertain whether mental faculties have developed beyond the chronological age to unravel the inherent talents the child embodies. They reveal what capabilities are consistent with normal average age and what areas are showing signs of limitations or challenges.
Unfortunately, such an assessment is conducted sparingly during the child’s development period. Thus, any gaps left in the development of particular mental abilities are left unattended and most children end up not realizing their full learning potential as they step up in our education system.
The Mental Age Calculator website is an online tool that provides an estimate of an individual's cognitive ability based on their age and performance on various cognitive tests. It can be used to assess intellectual development and identify potential cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
The chronological age is one of the most straightforward concepts to understand. To calculate your chronological age, all you got to do is subtract your date of birth from the date of assessment. Chronological age is expressed in terms of years, months, or even days.
One can’t control chronological age. And no surprises here, but chronological age is widely seen as the legal age for progressing in the school system.
Our existing education system depends on measures of certain academic and non-academic performance defined as chronological age. And, achievement in these pre-decided measures is seen as the benchmark for utilizing the learning potential of a child.
It assumes that if a child is fit to participate in the economic activities of society by achieving certain scores and grades, the child has accomplished their full potential.
As parents, who understand the value of 21st-century skills, often the following thoughts cross our mind – ‘How to enhance my child’s learning capabilities?’ or ‘How do I help my child realize his/her full potential?’ These parents understand that learning cannot be dependent upon the academic performance measurement system alone.
Their worry is genuine and natural as we can easily gauge how two children of different mental capacities have the same academic performance. The good thing is that there are a lot of ways in which we as the parental figure can become facilitators in enriching our child’s mental age.
Having a concerted focus on improving a child’s mental age is especially necessary during the initial 12 years. If children are exposed to the right kind of thinking experiences (plays, storytelling, physical activities, mind games, etc.) from the early age of 18 months, they are usually capable of developing various facets of their mental faculties.
The Konshius game-based learning framework and its various levels work to enrich the mental age of children. It’s the game-based learning activities that make the lacunas in the development of various mental faculties visible and act as a tool to bridge such gaps. These games are inclusive; they can be utilized for children with diverse social and cultural backgrounds, as a progressive learning tool.
As these games largely require the use of the brain’s executive functions; the games and their intended outcomes produce a life-long impact. At Konshius, we are dedicated to this movement of bringing focus on development in a holistic manner. The aim is to make each child feel that their needs are well represented.
Our method of patented games is backed by a scientific structure to optimize the enrichment of a child’s mental abilities. With well-detailed modules and game-based learning experiences that call for participation and engagement, Konshius is all set to redefine the education system to bring focus on mental age development. We wholeheartedly welcome you to be a part of this journey packed with excitement, fun, and vigor.
Que: What Are The Limitations Of A Mental Age Calculator?
Ans: A mental age calculator is not a precise measure of an individual's cognitive ability. It is only an estimate based on standardized tests, which may not always be an accurate reflection of an individual's true abilities. Additionally, other factors such as environmental factors, health, and socio-economic status can also affect an individual's cognitive development.
Que: What Are Some Of The Uses Of A Mental Age Calculator?
Ans: A mental age calculator can be used to identify learning disabilities, assess intellectual development, or measure the cognitive decline in older adults. It can also be used in educational settings to assess academic readiness or identify gifted students.
Que: Is A Mental Age Calculator Reliable?
Ans: The reliability of a mental age calculator depends on the accuracy and validity of the standardized test used. It is important to note that mental age is just one measure of cognitive ability, and it should not be used as the sole indicator of an individual's intellectual potential.
Que: Can A Mental Age Calculator Be Used To Diagnose A Cognitive Disorder?
Ans: No, a mental age calculator cannot be used to diagnose a cognitive disorder. While it can indicate an individual's cognitive ability, a diagnosis of a cognitive disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
Que: Is Mental Age The Same As IQ?
Ans: Mental age and IQ are related but different concepts. Mental age is a measure of cognitive ability based on an individual's performance on standardized tests, while IQ (intelligence quotient) is a standardized measure of intelligence based on a combination of tests designed to assess various cognitive abilities.
Que: Can Mental Age Change Over Time?
Ans: Yes, mental age can change over time. Cognitive development is a lifelong process, and an individual's mental age can change based on various factors such as education, environment, and life experiences.
Que: Are Mental Age Calculators Only For Children?
Ans: No, mental age calculators can be used for individuals of any age, although they are most commonly used for children.