G is for Genes P - Paperback

by Kathryn Asbury (Author), Robert Plomin (Author)

G is for Genes shows how a dialogue between geneticists and educationalists can have beneficial results for the education of all children--and can also benefit schools, teachers, and society at large.

• Draws on behavioral genetic research from around the world, including the UK-based Twins' Early Development Study (TEDS), one of the largest twin studies in the world
• Offers a unique viewpoint by bringing together genetics and education, disciplines with a historically difficult relationship
• Shows that genetic influence is not the same as genetic determinism and that the environment matters at least as much as genes
• Designed to spark a public debate about what naturally-occurring individual differences mean for education and equality

Back Jacket

In this world of astonishing progress in molecular biology, genome screening is no longer in the realm of science fiction--some believe it may soon become the norm. Yet while most are aware of the powerful role that genetics plays in the learning and development of children, the dialogue between geneticists and educationalists has been sorely lacking. G is for Genes bridges the divide to show how this overdue debate can, in fact, lead to beneficial results in the education of all children--and may also benefit schools, teachers, and society at large.

Utilizing an engaging writing style that breaks down complex science for a wide audience, the authors draw on a wealth of behavioural genetic research to show that genetic influence is not the same as genetic determinism and how, in many instances, genes are expressed differently in different environments. The authors also present their vision of what the genetically sensitive school of the near future might look like, along with a series of policy recommendations to facilitate a consideration of genetic influence on learning in the context of schools and classrooms. Of vital interest to parents, educators, and policy makers alike, G is for Genes offers invaluable insights into one of most important pieces of the intricate puzzle that makes up a child's life.

Author Biography

Kathryn Asbury is a Lecturer in the Centre for Psychology in Education at the University of York, UK. She has published widely on the influence of home and school environments on children's achievement, behavior, and wellbeing.

Robert Plomin is the Professor of Behavioural Genetics at the MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King's College London, UK. He is the founder and principal investigator of the Twins' Early Development Study (TEDS), and has published more than 500 papers and a dozen books on behavior genetics.