The Importance Of Verbal And Non Verbal Reasoning

It is the case that, neither non verbal or verbal reasoning are subjects taught in schools and children are required to them to a sophisticated level in 7plus and 11plus exams. Experts say that they do not need to be learnt as they test the natural ability of the child, their natural grasp of the language, cognitive ability and logical skills. But I disagree. Non verbal and reasoning skills have to be and should be taught.

The student needs to be introduced to the tests, taught how to work in a systematic way to solve the problems and given plenty of experience of completing them, the skills develop through practice or, no matter how able the student, they will struggle to cope with answering the large numbers of differing questions within a given time frame.

Beyond the test, the ability to use and apply question of the type found in verbal and non verbal reasoning tests is important. The depth of vocabulary and mathematical thinking and understanding required is a prerequisite for success beyond entrance to grammar and selective schools. So why are these two subjects not taught in the primary curriculum?