The theoretical "IQ" represents just a maximum of an individual's potential intelligence. We don't always operate at that level, as many factors - such as hunger, lack of sleep, and frustration - may subtly and temporarily reduce the quality of our cognitive output.
Why there’s no such thing as a gifted child
11–17 of 17 posts
Re: Why there’s no such thing as a gifted child
#12It's amazing how far people will bullshit for their equality narrative.
I'm all about treating all people equally, but to claim all children are intellectually equal??? That's absurd. Walk into any kindergarten and you'll be able to tell immediately who the smart kids are.
Re: Why there’s no such thing as a gifted child
#13What about this kid (supposedly 8 years old) teaching Haskell and uni level math? Sadly, non-english video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLLm8JaLqq8
How did you find this video?
Re: Why there’s no such thing as a gifted child
#14> [Einstein] failed the general part of the entry test to Zurich Polytechnic Yeah, let's leave unsaid the fact that he was 16 at that time.
And mainly failed because - coming from Germany - he only had very little education in french (as opposed to the other Swiss kids who had several years.)
Einstein was exceptional: http://www.einstein-website.de/z_kids/zeugniskids.html
6 in Switzerland is excellent and very few kids have a 6 in their High School Diploma, not even talking about five of them! (a 6 is generally much, much harder to achieve than an A in the US for example.)
Re: Why there’s no such thing as a gifted child
#15Just recently did a hackathon for teenagers. The differences in abilities were krass.
And not just programming knowledge but also mental agility, self assurance, independence, problem solving and social as well as soft skills.
Some couldn't even speak up. Others seemed like born problem solvers - 16 yr olds you could directly employ. Some were a fountain of creativity. One kid had an ego so big, that made him unpopular with us grown ups but I have to admit, he'll have a great future at any start up. Probably his own.
Kids aren't born equal - but the role of psychology and possible neurochemical makeup is IMO under-appreciated in how we educate people.
Re: Why there’s no such thing as a gifted child
#16> Even Einstein was unexceptional in his youth. Citation needed.
That applies to most of what's being said in this thread as well.
Re: Why there’s no such thing as a gifted child
#17"So, is there even such a thing as a gifted child? It is a highly contested area."
This seems to be at odds with your title, The Guardian.