Helping young people to learn

Abstract

The belief lingers on that exceptional abilities are only gained by individuals who are born possessing exceptional talents or inherited gifts. As we have seen, that belief is certainly false, even though it is true that genetic variability is among the factors that can influence human accomplishments. Despite the possibility that genetic influences may convey advantages or disadvantages, there is solid evidence that most young children, if given enough opportunities and sufficient encouragement, are able to learn considerably more than children normally do. The majority of young people are quite capable of reaching high levels of competence in any of a large variety of areas of achievement.