He strives to make us feel unthreatened by his claims (and makes no mention of race) by pointing out that if the first law of genetics is that like begets like, the second law is that like does not beget like, and genes are “probabilistic propensities not predetermined programming”. The piece in question is my review of Robert Plomin’s new book, Blueprint. But what he is calling for is a greater discussion of this research, especially among educators. Now, he feels, is the right time to publish. In Blueprint, Robert Plomin, a pioneer in the field of behavioural genetics, draws on a lifetime's worth of research to make the case that DNA is the most important factor shaping who we are. Square registered in England (Company No 02017289) with its registered office at 26 Red Lion A challenging read on genetics in education has been 30 years in the making – and it's worth the wait, says David James, Blueprint: How DNA makes us who we are Blueprint: How DNA makes us who we are by Robert Plomin is a poorly written argument in favour of genetics being at the core of individual differences. ISBN 9780241282076. Robert Plomin has been waiting 30 years to write Blueprint. Moreover, being genetically blessed with high intelligence is its own reward. Plomin's writing combines passion with reason (and passion for reason) so fluently that it is hard to believe this is his first book for popular consumption, after more than 800 scientific publications. Blueprint book. Could sewage help to stop Covid outbreaks in schools? He admits that the main reason for the wait was something very human: cowardice. Now, … Robert Plomin is MRC Research Professor in Behavioural Genetics at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London. Blueprint Reviews. So, this is a very big deal, and it’s happening now,” Professor Plomin said. Will London be basking in warm sunshine this Bank Holiday weekend. 10 words and phrases that even teachers get wrong, Three golden rules for supporting autistic pupils, Schools can bid for summer holiday catch-up fund, GCSEs 2021: Heads condemn 'scandalous' grade check plan, Today's school, education and teacher news: LIVE 26/4, GCSEs 2022: DfE urged to avoid another exams 'disaster', GCSEs 2022: Ofqual undecided on 'full-fat exams' return. This will not create a meritocratic caste, says Plomin, because intelligence is only 50 per cent inherited and “reversion to the mean” causes clever people often to have only average children. A survey of 5,000 British adults found that people estimated the genetic influence on school achievement to be just 29 per cent while genetic research, says Plomin, estimates it at 60 per cent. After reading Blueprint, you get used to statements that challenge you to look again at the profession, and at yourself as a teacher. ISBN 9780241282076 Robert Plomin has been waiting 30 years to write Blueprint. And those educationalists who try to convince us otherwise – that we have to be “tigers” as parents, or instil our children with “grit” if they are to succeed – are “peddling snake oil”. A review of Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are by Robert Plomin. Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are by Robert Plomin​ (Allen Lane, £20). The evidence for genes heavily influencing personality, intelligence and almost everything about human behaviour got stronger and stronger as more and more studies of twins and adoption came through. 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