Raising Bright Sparks: Book 4 -Talent Development

Françoys Gagné, Emeritus Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Quebec, Montreal, has carefully positioned Natural Abilities (Gifts) as separate from the development of Systematically Developed Skills (Talents) within his widely accepted Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT). In addition to the different fields of talent (related to school pursuits and adult careers) that Gagné has listed, there are a range of skills that are believed to be critical to achievement and success in any field of endeavour.

Grit, perseverance, tenacity and persistence have a common thread: the ability to keep going when the task is difficult. These skills are particularly important when adversity is encountered. With a nod to the social component of these skills, awareness of social context, collaboration and teamwork are listed as skills that are critical to success. Personal organisation, self-management and self- advocacy become increasingly important as students get older and need to structure and manage their own lives, rather than relying upon parents to do so. A number of skills specifically related to academic success also have relevance to success in an individual’s career. These study skills for success include: note-taking, test-taking techniques, memorization, time-management and proficiency with technology. These skills require individual focus to achieve; however development of all these skills leads to success in any endeavour.