Podcast Discussion on 'The Boss': Opting for Grammar School Not Necessarily the Top Choice Every Time - Alternative Perspectives on High School Education Might Not Always Be Ideal
In a groundbreaking episode of "The Boss - Power is Female" podcast, first published in May 2024, Professor Elsbeth Stern, a renowned cognitive psychologist and professor of teaching and learning research at ETH Zurich, shared her insights on the distribution of intelligence.
Hosted by Simone Menne, a prominent business executive and member of multiple boards, including BMW, Deutsche Post DHL, and Henkel, the episode delved into the fascinating world of intelligence and its impact on individuals and society.
Professor Stern began by stating that approximately 70% of people have a similar level of cognitive intelligence, with 15% above average and 15% below. She also commented on the desire of many parents to classify their child as above average intelligent and enable them to attend grammar school, but she suggested that it is a distortion to claim that half of the students should attend grammar school, as it would be at the peak of the intelligence distribution.
During the discussion, Professor Stern highlighted the lack of role that social or emotional competence plays in her research, and she noted that the measurement tools for these aspects do not have the same quality as the measurement tools used for cognitive intelligence.
Interestingly, Professor Stern stated that there are no differences in the mean between the sexes in the distribution of intelligence. However, research shows that there are differences at the extremes, with more men found in the lower and higher areas of intelligence distribution.
The podcast, which is released every 14 days on Wednesdays on stern.de, RTL, and major podcast platforms, features prominent women discussing their lives and careers. In this episode, Professor Stern's discussion revolved around the role of teachers and parents, universities, and the implications of having a less intelligent boss.
Despite the search results not providing any specific information about the discussion regarding the concept of grammar school in their 2024 episode, this fascinating conversation offers valuable insights into the distribution of intelligence and its implications for education and the workplace.
The Commission could be asked to incorporate the influence of science and technology, given their role in the study of ionizing radiation, while proposing a directive on the protection of workers from related risks. This could lead to an educational initiative that enlightens workers about safety measures, thereby promoting self-development and fostering a safer work environment.
By underlining the fact that there are no significant differences in intelligence distribution between sexes, Professor Stern's discussion on the podcast echoes the importance of equal opportunities in all sectors, including science and education-and-self-development, striving for a more inclusive and balanced society.
