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How many times will we circle around this before realizing that people have different aptitudes? We make a mistake when we evade that fact. We do it because we

How many times will we circle around this before realizing that people have different aptitudes? We make a mistake when we evade that fact. We do it because we haven't created a culture where people are respected independently of their aptitudes.

kuzmin 10y ago
Even if everybody does not have the same aptitude, that should not mean that the people who might have more difficulty with certain subjects should avoid them. Sure, it might be more difficult for me to learn to play the piano than for some virtuoso, but my life will still be richer after I learn it, instead of giving up because it is difficult. No?
- SomeStupidPoint 10y ago
  Only in a vacuum: there might be something besides piano more in line with your aptitudes that, for the same effort, will give you more reward (or the same reward with less effort). This isnt to say I don't believe we should do things we're bad at -- I think broadening our aptitudes is good for us -- but you do have to consider the opportunity cost of piano versus another option.
  - golemotron 10y ago
    That's the tragedy of 'everyone can do everything' thinking. And it's why growth-mindset has to be tempered with recognition of aptitude. If it isn't it can derail lives.
- npsimons 10y ago
  > Sure, it might be more difficult for me to learn to play the piano than for some virtuoso, but my life will still be richer after I learn it, instead of giving up because it is difficult. No? The very process of working to improve at something you're not good at (or have any natural aptitude for) is a wonderful way to learn how to adapt, compensate for weaknesses, and overcome adversity. I know I'll never be a weightlifting champion, but aside from the health benefits, I lift because it's something I'm not good at.
  - mitchty 10y ago
    Exactly, we should encourage attacking adversity. It is the only way to get resiliency. I've been told in the past I'm good at solving complex problems I've never encountered before. I just show them my notes on how I solved it and say I'm not good at all, just persistent and willing to learn as I go. I notice a lot of people give up at the first sign of adversity. I might too depending on the criticality but that doesn't mean I accept defeat.
arjie 10y ago
Have you tested this hypothesis?
0xcde4c3db 10y ago
Yeah, I find it frustrating that educators take this facile model seriously. My belief is that "growth potential" is a complex function of the skill being trained, inborn aptitudes, training methods, and social support, with the weight of each factor varying wildly depending on the skill. Where does that fit on the "growth mindset" vs. "fixed mindset" axis?

kuzmin 10y ago

Even if everybody does not have the same aptitude, that should not mean that the people who might have more difficulty with certain subjects should avoid them. Sure, it might be more difficult for me to learn to play the piano than for some virtuoso, but my life will still be richer after I learn it, instead of giving up because it is difficult. No?

SomeStupidPoint 10y ago
Only in a vacuum: there might be something besides piano more in line with your aptitudes that, for the same effort, will give you more reward (or the same reward with less effort). This isnt to say I don't believe we should do things we're bad at -- I think broadening our aptitudes is good for us -- but you do have to consider the opportunity cost of piano versus another option.
- golemotron 10y ago
  That's the tragedy of 'everyone can do everything' thinking. And it's why growth-mindset has to be tempered with recognition of aptitude. If it isn't it can derail lives.
npsimons 10y ago
> Sure, it might be more difficult for me to learn to play the piano than for some virtuoso, but my life will still be richer after I learn it, instead of giving up because it is difficult. No? The very process of working to improve at something you're not good at (or have any natural aptitude for) is a wonderful way to learn how to adapt, compensate for weaknesses, and overcome adversity. I know I'll never be a weightlifting champion, but aside from the health benefits, I lift because it's something I'm not good at.
- mitchty 10y ago
  Exactly, we should encourage attacking adversity. It is the only way to get resiliency. I've been told in the past I'm good at solving complex problems I've never encountered before. I just show them my notes on how I solved it and say I'm not good at all, just persistent and willing to learn as I go. I notice a lot of people give up at the first sign of adversity. I might too depending on the criticality but that doesn't mean I accept defeat.

arjie 10y ago

Have you tested this hypothesis?

0xcde4c3db 10y ago

Yeah, I find it frustrating that educators take this facile model seriously. My belief is that "growth potential" is a complex function of the skill being trained, inborn aptitudes, training methods, and social support, with the weight of each factor varying wildly depending on the skill. Where does that fit on the "growth mindset" vs. "fixed mindset" axis?