Parallel Session Proceedings »
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3.3.14 Identifying and Nurturing Exceptional Ability in Young Children: A Talent Development Approach
The talent development framework for gifted education recognizes giftedness as developmental, malleable, and contextual (domain specific and situational). Talent develops in stages from potential, which can be revealed even in very young children, to expertise which can be cultivated well into adulthood, depending on the domain of talent. Because domain trajectories vary significantly, nurturing talents early, through enrichment activities and exposure to challenging curriculum inside and outside of school, is important, particularly for young children who may have limited opportunities to learn due to socio-economic factors or other constraints.
If educators aim to help students achieve excellence in their chosen areas, and be equitable in their efforts, a systematic process from early childhood through secondary school and into university is required. Schools may be hesitant to try to identify giftedness in early childhood or elementary school, but identification of talent need not be driven by tests or selective enrollment programs. Instead, a true talent development approach focuses on front-loading a range of engaging, rigorous learning opportunities, allowing as many children as possible reveal their interests and abilities. The purpose of the enrichment activities and targeted instruction is to provide an optimal match between the student and the learning environment. Early, advanced enrichment and fast-paced learning, both in school and through supplemental programs, helps students acquire the skills and content knowledge within their talent domains, encourages them to develop psychosocial skills necessary for achievement in the long term, and helps educators learn more about their learning needs. As students demonstrate their abilities and skills, it becomes easier for educators to make future decisions about assessment and instruction.
Research and practice demonstrate that children receive substantial benefits from enrichment and specialized services, and when school and supplemental program personnel work collaboratively, opportunities broaden and impacts on talent development are significant and long term. In this session, presenters introduce the talent development framework and the research behind it and discuss ways of identifying exceptional ability in young children. Additionally, they offer examples of school-based and supplemental interventions that promote early talent development and put students on a trajectory to creative productivity in adulthood.