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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