Liberating everyday genius: Revolutionary guide for identifying and mastering your exceptional gifts.Jacobsen, M. (1999) Liberating lib·er·ate tr.v. lib·er·at·ed, lib·er·at·ing, lib·er·ates 1. To set free, as from oppression, confinement, or foreign control. 2. Chemistry To release (a gas, for example) from combination. everyday genius: Revolutionary guide for identifying and mastering your exceptional gifts. NY: Ballantine Books. (399 pp., $25.00 hb, ISBN-0-345-42771-8). Liberating Everyday Genius is a guidebook designed "to bring the concept of giftedness gift·ed adj. 1. Endowed with great natural ability, intelligence, or talent: a gifted child; a gifted pianist. 2. out of the dark ages." The author, Jacobsen, is a psychologist and director of OmegaPoint Resource for Advanced Human Development. She refers to counseling hundreds of gifted people, which seems to be the basis for her theory of evolutionary intelligence. Jacobsen believes everyday geniuses need to "identify," "understand," "reveal and heal," "manage and liberate (Liberate Technologies, San Mateo, CA) A software company that specialized in the information appliance field. Formerly Network Computer, Inc. (NCI), a spin-off from Oracle in 1996, it changed its name in 1999. ," themselves to find their true potential and to become contributors to society. Jacobsen relies on Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences Multiple intelligences is educational theory put forth by psychologist Howard Gardner, which suggests that an array of different kinds of "intelligence" exists in human beings. and Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator to create a new construct of intelligence known as Evolutionary Intelligence, which is measured by an EvIQ Profile (a self-rated prototype inventory). Her theory of Evolutionary Intelligence consists of Multiple Intelligences, Gifted Traits (intensity, drive, and complexity), and Advanced Development (humanistic hu·man·ist n. 1. A believer in the principles of humanism. 2. One who is concerned with the interests and welfare of humans. 3. a. A classical scholar. b. A student of the liberal arts. vision, mandated mission, and revolutionary action). She offers case studies of clients and describes how everyday genius can be manifested and nurtured. Intended or not, Jacobsen shares her own enlightenment Enlightenment, term applied to the mainstream of thought of 18th-century Europe and America. Background and Basic Tenets The scientific and intellectual developments of the 17th cent. of personal growth and connection with others who, like her, possess evolutionary intelligence. Jacobsen never provides a clear definition of the everyday genius construct. Terms like creative producer, creative person, genius, everyday genius, giftedness, intelligence, high achiever, and evolutionary intelligence appear synonymous. This is very frustrating frus·trate tr.v. frus·trat·ed, frus·trat·ing, frus·trates 1. a. To prevent from accomplishing a purpose or fulfilling a desire; thwart: for readers who are knowledgeable about the field of gifted education Gifted education is a broad term for special practices, procedures and theories used in the education of children who have been identified as gifted or talented. Programs providing such education are sometimes called Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) or . Furthermore, the distinction, if any exists, between a gifted child gifted child Child naturally endowed with a high degree of general mental ability or extraordinary ability in a specific domain. Although the designation of giftedness is largely a matter of administrative convenience, the best indications of giftedness are often those and gifted adult is not apparent. Jacobsen creates a diagnostic tool, the EvIQ Profile, to measure evolutionary intelligence, which is included in the text. Validity and reliability data for the diagnostic tool is not presented in the book although the author states, "The items in this profile are based on solid scientific research." This book is not designed for readers who need a solid research base. A person who is interested in self-help or self-awareness may find the counseling strategies beneficial. The reader should have some knowledge of Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. The author firmly believes that gifted adults owe society and should be productive citizens. Readers may not agree with that philosophy. The author's strengths lie with her counseling strategies. She presents several plans to attain personal goals, and she supports multiple assessments for identifying gifted adults. Frequently, the author states, "Research says...", but never cites the research, which is unacceptable. While no empirical data was presented to support evolutionary intelligence, Jacobsen does make an excellent case for further research regarding the needs and abilities of gifted adults. As noted previously, the author's writing is vague and confusing con·fuse v. con·fused, con·fus·ing, con·fus·es v.tr. 1. a. To cause to be unable to think with clarity or act with intelligence or understanding; throw off. b. at times. Jacobsen's use of multiple acronyms for the pieces of evolutionary intelligence is puzzling. However, the quality of writing improves when the author explores her area of expertise, counseling. Evolutionary intelligence is a unique contribution to the field of gifted education, because it provides a new twist on the needs of gifted adults and a new construct of intelligence, but there needs to be further data and research to support her ideas. Jacobsen's work with gifted adults is interesting to read. Reviewed by Wendy Miner, a doctoral student in the field of Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Gifted Education at the University of Virginia. |
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