The Aptitude Myth: How an Ancient Belief Came to Undermine Children’s Learning Today

by Cornelius N. Grove Ed.D. independent scholar author of "The Aptitude Myth" (2013)

The Aptitude Myth addresses the decline in American children’s mastery of critical school subjects. It contends that a contributing cause for this decline derives from many Americans’ ways of thinking about children’s They believe that school performance is determined very largely by innate aptitude. The Aptitude Myth traces the deep historical origins, the spread and elaboration, and the eventual triumph of the belief in the determining power of mental abilities “given” at birth and therefore fixed. Covered is 600 B.C.E. until 1926 (when the S.A.T. was first administered).
The belief in aptitude, assumed by many Americans to be the modern view of learning ability, is revealed as an archaic way of thinking that originated in the imaginations of our ancient forebears and gradually gained credibility over 2,500 years. In recent times, the belief became elaborated to include the fanciful notion that more-than-modest academic study injures a child’s health. Having inherited this mindset, Americans don’t know how to insure that children gain mastery. A new mindset is needed. The final chapter offers a transformative mindset.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

198 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[John Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright, I admit it, I fell for the adorable cover picture… mostly. Who could resist a cute little girl with her hands raised uncertainly before a chalkboard plastered with symbolisms that only an erudite professor could uncover? That freely admitted, having served as an educator for 13+ years, the idea behind the title intrigued me—particularly in light of the ‘growth’ verses ‘fixed’ intelligence mindset paradigm that recent psychological research has uncovered. Little did I expect to be conducted down a masterful and scholarly 2,000+ year historical-philosophical expose on student ‘aptitude’. Cornelius Grove practically weaves the whole of human history into his overarching point that children’s learning is being undermined by a sense that some children are naturally apt for learning while others are much less so. While I agree with the book’s overarching conclusions and certainly would advocate for more focus on an educational approach directed at learning and mastery rather than the stagnation that occurs when many children are labeled as intellectually ‘unfit’, I certainly do not agree with a few of his historical arguments. For instance, Mr. Grove clearly doesn’t understand the concept of original sin when he accuses the Catholic Church of using that concept to supposedly glorify a state of childlike innocence. Being childlike is not the same as remaining intellectually stunted and it is precisely due to the effects original sin that human nature at all stages of growth is fallen—even in childhood. Therefore, aptitude is by no means a natural state of grace-filled childhood, but one that must be achieved through the interaction of teaching, effort (virtue), some natural ability, and grace. While I respect the author’s critique of the scholastic aptitude tests and the ‘aptitude myth’, I would also be wary of any attempt to either undervalue or deny temperament differences and types of intelligence. Despite these caveats, I am glad to have persevered though the book; its conclusions only confirm the experience of many fine parents and educators who refuse to allow their children or students to wallow in mediocrity but push them hard in order to expand and build on their mental gifts by means of determined and relentless effort.

[Stephen Gensemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn't quite your usual history book. For one thing, it’s amazingly short for a story that begins in Ancient Greece and ends in the 1920s. For another, it’s not a political, economic, or military history, but rather a history of an idea. Better, it’s a history of an opinion about children’s learning. I found it really interesting to learn that this opinion originated with Aristotle, and then to see how it was gradually passed down to us over about 2,500 years. (OK, the Dark Ages are pretty much skipped; nobody was thinking much about ideas then.) The Aptitude Myth is thought-provoking while also being easy to read. It’s had an impact on how I talk with my children about their school work. The only thing I’d fault is the Introduction, which is way too long. Just skip it. Begin with Chapter 1.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, especially the last chapter. Thoughtful explanation of how our western education expectations have strayed far from our original understanding of how best aid our kids in developing a love of learning and becoming thoughtful and curious adults!

[Peter Z.]

"Insure"?