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Title
Teaching the Teachers the Genetics of Learning: An Application of the Mixed Blessings Model
Author(s)
Publication Date
2022-11
Early Online Version
Open Access
Yes
Abstract
<p>Decades of educational genetics research have highlighted that differences in academic achievement are partly explained by genetic variation between individuals. Consequently, there is ongoing discussion about whether genetic influences on educationally related traits should be more widely acknowledged in schools and communicated specifically to teachers. Nonetheless, there is little research on how teachers might interpret such information, and how it might alter their perceptions of the students they teach or their teaching practice. In this review, we draw on the mixed blessings model proposed by Haslam and Kvaale, <i>Current Directions in Psychological Science</i>, 2015, 24, 399-404, as a framework for defining both positive and negative repercussions of disseminating the findings of educational genetic research to teachers. We discuss research examining teacher perceptions of student ability and behavior and findings outlining perceptions of psychological disorders when genetic explanations are invoked. We conclude by proposing new directions for research designed to better understand interpretations of genetic information in school contexts.</p>
Publication Type
Journal Article
Source of Publication
Mind, Brain, and Education, 16(4), p. 328-337
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
2022-02-15
Place of Publication
United States of America
ISSN
1751-228X
1751-2271
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
Peer Reviewed
Yes
HERDC Category Description
Peer Reviewed
Yes
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