The Genius in Every Child

While the word "genius" evokes images of either Einstein-like academic achievement, or musically gifted child prodigies, Dr. Thomas Armstrong asserts that there is genius in every child, and it only needs to be awakened. Because the word "genius" commonly has elite connotations, Armstrong introduces a "new vocabulary" here to illustrate that qualities of genius are not focused on accomplishments, but rather on character traits such as curiosity, creativity, imagination, flexibility, wisdom, humor, and sensitivity. Based on Armstrong's book Awakening Genius in the Classroom, this program presents the educator's theories on both the cultivation of genius and contemporary roadblocks to achieving the same in the classroom. However, this "new" information is presented entirely within the framework of the rather "old" Montessori method (all of the interviewed educators are Montessori teachers or directors). In fact, listening to one director refer to the Montessori method as "educational reform" or Dr. Armstrong saying that textbooks are written by "mediocre minds," and that tests and worksheets are detrimental, one realizes that this is little more than a missionary infomercial for a lauded, yet also controversial, privatized system of education. Yes, parents and teachers should recognize that every child has unique capabilities and a personal learning style, but those attributes can be encouraged and drawn out in a wide range of educational environments. Optional. Aud: C, P. (E. Gieschen)