TPP 139: Psychologist and Author Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD on Redefining Giftedness and Intelligence

Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, psychologist, author, and podcaster who’s interested in redefining giftedness and helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and meaningful life. 

Scott is incredibly passionate about what he sees as his primary work in the world—changing, or perhaps expanding, the way intelligence is defined and measured. In our conversation, we talk about his ideas about intelligence, potential, and what it actually takes for our children to develop into self-actualized adults.

Things you’ll learn from this episode

• Scott’s story of redefining giftedness and pushing past limiting labels as a student to thrive
• Why Scott believes traditional markers of intelligence are missing the mark
• The problem with assessing for “labels” instead a child’s highest strengths
• Scott’s thoughts on how we can create a better educational model
• Why potential in our children is a “moving target”
• How gifted education as a construct has a “fixed mindset”
• Scott’s ideas for expanding the definition of intelligence through a multiple manifestations of intelligence lens
• Why we should focus on self-actualization as opposed to excellence
• What qualities we should be helping our children develop to become self-actualized

Resources mentioned for redefining giftedness

• Scott Barry Kaufman’s website
• Scott at Scientific American Magazine
• Scott’s podcast, The Psychology Podcast
• Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined by Scott Barry Kaufman
• Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind by Scott Barry Kaufman
• Twice Exceptional: Supporting and Educating Bright and Creative Students with Learning Difficulties by Scott Barry Kaufman
• Scott’s TEDxZumbroRiver Talk: A New Theory of Human Intelligence
• Eye to Eye National / Marcus Soutra
• Bridges Academy
• Scott’s new Characteristics of Self-Actualization Scale

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