Overview

We are all a guru in our own way. Discover your own inner guru as we reveal what scientists have discovered through a fascinating study on intelligence.

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 a bit of controversy, scientific studies point the way to increasing intellect.

We all start learning automatically from the moment we’re born, if not before; our brains are made for it. In this course, you’ll learn the results of scientifically sound studies that suggest encouraging children to try new tasks and praising them for persistence and resilience.

Learning new skills and working puzzles are great ways to keep your mind active and have fun. However, scientists warn that companies often market mind-exercising products with strong claims that lack scientific backing. What does work? Research shows that maintaining a mental edge as we age is best achieved through physical exercise, a positive attitude, and social engagement.

In Understanding Your Inner Genius, you’ll discover the myths many of us take as fact, including the left brain/right brain dichotomy. You’ll be introduced to scientifically valid concepts that can help you educate yourself and others effectively.

Course Outline

01: The Science of Genius

Explore the many theories of genius put forward by psychologists, psychiatrists, and philosophers over the last 150 years.

Duration: 23 min

02: Fit Body, Fit Mind?

Learn about the surprising results of research into cognition and aging, and how physical fitness can impact cognitive abilities.

Duration: 16 min

03: The Aha! Moment

Investigate what leads to those “aha!” moments and how innovative thinkers approach problem-solving.

Duration: 16 min

04: Creativity Is Collective

Discover how creativity is influenced by group norms and how collaboration can stimulate innovative ideas.

Duration: 19 min

05: Nurturing the Young Genius

Learn how to recognize talent in young children and the skills that predict success in school and life.

Duration: 24 min

06: Lessons from Studying Supersmart Children

Examine findings from a longitudinal survey of intellectually talented children and what it reveals about nurturing genius.

Duration: 19 min

07: Can We Keep Getting Smarter?

Explore the “Flynn effect” and what environmental factors may be influencing rising IQ scores worldwide.

Duration: 13 min

08: Boosting the Brain?

Discover the chemicals studied for enhancing intelligence and the potential of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS).

Duration: 28 min

09: The Brilliance Trap

Investigate the underrepresentation of women and minorities in academic fields that value “brilliance” and the impact of mindset.

Duration: 29 min