The Structure of Intellect is a theory of human intelligence that was developed from 1945 to 1965 by Dr. J. P. Guilford and his colleagues at the University of Southern California. The SOI is the application of the Structure of Intellect theory to various learning situations. It has been in continuous use and development from 1965 to the present. SOI applies the Structure of Intellect to learning — general education, reading instruction, remedial education, gifted education, training and retraining, and career counseling. SOI is applicable to all of these diverse areas because it identifies how human intelligence and its development (or lack of development) are related to demands of learning. This is described in the SOI Model for Learning. The SOI was founded by Dr. Mary Meeker (Wikipedia), a student of Guilford. During her teaching career at University of Southern California, Loyola-Marymount, and the University of California, Northridge, Dr. Meeker researched Guilford's model and validated its relevance to education. Her book, The Structure of Intellect: Its Interpretation and Its Uses provided the foundation for applying Guilford's theory. The practical corollary to this book is the SOI Interpretation Guide. If you would like information about utilizing the SOI materials described on this Web site, please proceed to the Contacts page.
There are three principal components in any learning situation — the instructional material, the instructor, and the learner. Most learning failures occur because the learner is not prepared to learn — i.e., the student does not meet the expectations of the instructional material and the instructor. Some of these expectations are obvious, but most are very subtle. The task of learning remediation is to determine which expectations are not being met, and then provide a program that will develop them. The SOI Model for Learning focuses on the learner. It identifies those abilities, skills, and competencies that are expected of the student in most learning situations. It then provides the means of assessment to determine whether a given student meets these expectations. If the assessments reveal weaknesses, the program provides the means for overcoming these impediments by developing the abilities, skills, or competencies that are expected. Click to download a PDF file of the SOI Model for Learning booklet. 2.1 Download: Model for Learning.pdf
Services to support SOI Testing and Training Scoring Services SOI scores all forms of the SOI tests. This service includes scoring the individual test, a computer generated stanine chart and if applicable, a roster that summarizes the information of an entire class so students can be easily grouped for cognitive training and gifted identification. Educational Computer Analysis SOI will produce a 10 -12 page report of the student's learning style, strengths, and weaknesses, along with an prescription for improving cognitive weaknesses. The cost includes scoring the test. Career Analysis Recommended for high school students and those contemplating a career change. This analysis is a 12-14 page report of a person's learning style, strengths, and weaknesses, and matches the individual's intellectual profile to the requirement of various careers. This approach is a compliment to interest inventories ø What would you like to do? What can you do? How can you get ready for what you want to do? IPP Analysis (for a description of IPP services, see SOI/IPP Centers) SOI generates a 20+ page report giving treatment plans for SOI learning abilities, Focusing Skills, and Sensory-motor training. As an IPP Specialist, you administer the proper test, and the total IPP assessments; send the results to us; we produce a treatment plan for your client.
For those wanting SOI testing, but are not authorized to administer the test, SOI assessments are available from SOI Testing and Training Centers located throughout the U.S.—check for the location nearest to you. If you cannot find a Center in your vicinity, call SOI Systems (541)-896-3936 for special assistance. If you are living outside the U.S., we have SOI Centers in Mexico, Canada, Germany, Singapore, and South Africa. See SOI Centers for contact information. Cognitive Training All SOI Centers offer cognitive training as well as SOI testing. The training is individualized based on SOI test results, and is especially recommended for students who are having learning difficulties. SOI/IPP Centers The most complete programs for students having learning difficulties are offered by SOI/IPP Centers. In addition to SOI cognitive training these SOI/IPP Centers offer assessment and development of Focusing Skills, Sensory-Motor Integration, and Listening Skills. The integration of these assessments and trainings holds the best promise of diagnosing and treating learning problems. See SOI Centers for locations.
