Genius! by Jo Ellen on The Pipeline at IndieMusicPeople

Genius!
My 15 yr old nephew scored above the genius level on a recent IQ test given at his high school. I thought it worth sharing for two reasons: (1) this is a kid who failed 7th grade and gets extra help with reading and comprehension, and (2) I was interested in what others thought about the concept of "genius" and how or if we should attempt to measure it?. Now don't misunderstand, it is quite evident when interacting with my nephew and watching him perform perceptual and physical tasks that he is intelligent and above average in mastering whatever he sets his mind towards. However, ironically, it is his younger brother that has always been thought of as "bright" among his peers and school representatives (and was actually chosen to represent his school in state apititude testing), yet his IQ score was actually lower than his brother's. score I understand that there are different types of intelligence, but I thought this illustration particularly important in stressing how our "educational" system often is not able to "capture" the potential of individuals and encourage individualized success.

I know this is long, but it is a subject that fascinates me.

Is it worth measuring IQ?

What is genius?

Does it do more harm than good to standardize its measure?

We all can recognize excellence in music, but when or how does it become a work of "genius".
You get the drift....

Jo Ellen

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SILVERWOODSTUDIO

12/13/2007 3:38:46 PM

This is a topic that interests me----both as a teacher and as a parent!?

I have tested for IQs as a primary teacher and anything over 130 was considered top 5%--whether this is also "genius" is debatable. The tests were all written, and there simply wasn't time (or resources) to test for practical skills (hands on) so those with good--- Reading---- Maths and Problem solving did best---and it meant we could group them according to "Ability"---However these are really all left brain skills, which is what is mostly catered for in school.

As a parent I also have a child who hated school, was disruptive and labelled ADHD and later Aspergers syndrome.-----He is now an excellent musician----- can play anything by ear, operate recording equipment, and trouble shoot both softwear and hardware----yet he still makes mistakes spelling and is not very organised---too much right brain?

So it depends on what we are testing for--I think genius equals--- those who operate outside the "norm" of human behaviour and find new ways to operate---- unaffected by what they have been taught are 'barriers 'to learning.

Also we have groups of "Gifted" children at schools--who do extended work in special classes to ensure they are pushed to extend themselves---there is a danger here that these kids are pushed by their parents, and miss out on ordinary stuff---think of themselves as "elite" and are called nerds by their peers!

mmmmmm I could go on--------------!!??

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Two Silo Complex

12/13/2007 3:38:53 PM

Interesting post Jo ellen,

I don't think that we have come up with a good way to measure intelligence. The state test can test general knowlege or understanding of concepts.

I think that genius will sort itself out in time and stand the test of time. For example how long after Albert Eistien had passed did it take for people to understand how intelligent he really was? Today there are dedicated profressors who are still trying to figure out some of his work. The same is true to Thomas Eddison.
Did people of his day really realize the full impact of his inventions?

If your nephew is genius he will stumble upon things never seen before simply because he sees things through a different glass.

I don't think that the younger brother should feel bad at all or be ashamed. He is intelligent in a different way is all.

Well that is my simple minded thoughts but I'm no genius.
TSC
Ken

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satch

12/13/2007 3:51:20 PM

What is genius? It would take a genius to answer that!

And in music, well, that's so very subjective...

At best, imho, our education systems should strive to teach all children to think clearly for themselves, in order to be able to question and to ponder all of the so-called truths that our history, science, religion, society and morality impose on us all. For it is this questioning and pondering that will bring new ideas to bear and will uncover and allow true genius to flourish!

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Jo Ellen

12/13/2007 4:57:28 PM

I think I agree with all of you. I think it would be unfortunate for anyone to base their self-worth on a test score. Perhaps, it might even backfire if the individual assumes that he or she "knows it all" or is "above average" and then misses the mark in reaching his or her potential (this requires action). This might apply in instances of academic and IQ tests. The best advice I could give to both my nephews after they shared their scores with me [after I acknowledged that I wasn't suprised they both scored well (both over 130)], was that it was important to keep in mind the difference between intellectual ability, and seeking after and exercising wisdom. As mentioned, I think that genius is a combination of recognizing systematic processes (how things work or should work) and creative innovation (the ability to establish or make contribute to new or current systems). Keep those thoughts coming...

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