Understanding Your Inner Genius

By: Laura Helmuth, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Laura Helmuth

In Understanding Your Inner Genius, presenter Laura Helmuth reveals the latest scientific thinking on genius and intelligence - from the making of a genius, to the increase of worldwide IQ scores, and the mysteries of acquired savantism. With Dr. Helmuth as your guide, you’ll explore the groundbreaking work conducted by distinguished psychologists, psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and educators. With myth-busting exhilaration and more than a bit of controversy, scientific studies point the way to increasing the intellect.

We all start learning automatically from the moment we’re born, if not before; our brains are made for it. But it’s also normal for parents to want to help their children in their intellectual development. In this course, you’ll learn the results of scientifically sound studies that suggest you encourage your child to try new tasks and praise your child for persistence and resilience.

Learning new skills and working puzzles are both great ways to keep your mind active and have a lot of fun. But scientists warn that companies are often marketing mind-exercising products with strong claims about their effectiveness - claims that have not been backed up by scientific studies. What does work? Research shows you can best maintain a mental edge as you age by physical exercise, having a positive attitude, and social engagement.

In Understanding Your Inner Genius, you’ll be surprised to discover the myths that many, if not most, of us take as fact, including the left brain/right brain dichotomy, among others.

But if you still believe some of these myths, don’t worry. Understanding Your Inner Genius will introduce you to the new, scientifically valid concepts that take the place of these myths - concepts you can use to your advantage when educating your children, your students, or yourself.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 The Great Courses (P)2022 The Teaching Company, LLC

Was hoping for more…

A little disappointed by certain classifications and discussions on intelligence. Felt like there was more context and ideas missing - especially in the abrupt ending after an overly simplified section on critical thinking. In general, I wish the chapters were organized differently for flow and if they built off one another.

Generic

A little lack luster, gives some good information and asks some relatively good ideas but nothing awe inspiring.