This paper offers a theory of optimal motivation for talent development. Optimal motivation is described as a "flow" experience. A generalized expectancy value theory is used to analyze three ideal conditions to optimize flow experiences: optimal challenge, undivided interest, and optimal arousal. Further analysis shows how each is composed of two…

The Region IV Education Service Center (ESC) in Texas has been delivering G/T professional development for almost two decades, and it has a great plan. Texas is one of 27 states that mandate full or partial gifted education. Accountability is provided through standards for professional development, which are outlined in the Texas State Plan for…

Technological advances and widespread access to the Internet are facilitating new educational approaches that go beyond the traditional face-to-face classroom setting. Distance education has emerged as a valuable option for a number of special populations of learners whose needs are more difficult to meet in the classroom, of which gifted students…

Robert Sternberg's WICS model for identifying gifted individuals broadens the standard conception of giftedness and makes many helpful suggestions on how to conceptualize and assess the relevant dimensions of giftedness. There is one area, however, where the authors would propose an alternate viewpoint. "In a sense, this essay is about how to…

Finding high potentials has been identified as one of the major challenges for society and for higher education. But how does one find the talented individuals who will design the future of society? Can and should universities cooperate or compete with business and industry for these talents? Three CEOs reflect on this worldwide competition for…

Twelve professional, non-classical musicians were interviewed about the impact of internal and external factors on their development as musicians. The data were qualitatively analyzed, and observations concerning psychological characteristics of developing excellence (PCDEs), social and environmental influences are reported. The insights of the…

In the United States and around the rest of the world, there is a renewed focus on ensuring that schools are providing students with the skills necessary to compete in the global economy. High-quality summer learning programs are an ideal vehicle to help students gain content knowledge and develop innovative skills: they provide time for…

This paper examines issues in identifying visually gifted children, including artistic talent and its relationship to visual giftedness; the contexts in which visual giftedness represents a specific type of intelligence; the ability of classroom teachers to identify the visually gifted; resources that may help classroom teachers identify the…

A program is described which was designed to develop talents among young black students. The curriculum materials are explained to be language based with emphasis on students' oral response to open ended questions. Five essential language areas are covered: expressive language, central meaning, prediction beyond the present experience, reasoning,…

This monograph reports on a study of six child prodigies whose talents are manifested in writing, music, and mathematics. The boys, aged 3.5-9 years, were observed in natural settings and while practicing their talent specialty, and interviews were conducted with the boys, their parents, and their teachers. The study concludes that prodigies focus…

The problem of "stages" in the development of artistic ability is addressed by reviewing the cases of a gifted autistic child, Nadia, who drew realistically at a very young age, and of a normal child, Eytan, who rapidly taught himself the principles of isometric perspective and of foreshortening. A review of scholarly opinion about…

From a special section, "Talent Awareness Training.

Discusses creative processes in science regarding: (1) the personal quality of creativity; (2) how to teach creative science; (3) communication of scientific creativity; and (4) reward system of scientific creativity. (HM)

Discussed is the issue of how many different kinds of talents or gifts special programs will consider in both selection and educational aspects, focusing on how many different kinds of gifts and talents can be dealt with simultaneously and how much complexity can be tolerated. (DLS)

Studies regarding the development of talent and unusually successful learning indicate that a "qualitative transformation" frequently occurs in which these individuals grow in their understanding of learning, recognizing the importance of commitment to learning through mutual encouragement and support. (CB)