Outofschool Educational Provision for the Gifted and Talented

Out-of-school Educational Provision for the Gifted and Talented around the World Prof Joan Freeman

Report for the Department of Education and Skills (UK) Free on www. joanfreeman. com

Gifts and talents – a world overview UK USA CHINA INDIA

A profound world split in attitudes to gifts and talent The Western view The Eastern view Only some children have gifted potential Most children have gifted potential

Cultural differences in gifts and talents EAST WEST Being Doing Truthfulness, generosity, compassion, sacrifice and service to society Competitive achievement, often in academic subjects rather than community values

Though there is overlap … The Western view The Eastern view § Genetic influences dominant § Environmental influences dominant § Human abilities measurable along a spectrum § Main difference between individuals is rate of development § Selection by high cut-off point § Good teaching and hard work bring success

Regional contrasts § Australia and New Zealand § Japan and China § Israel and the Arab and African world § Europe North and South § USA, Canada and South America

Five styles of out-of-school education 1. The Talent Search 2. Self selection by provision 1. Freeman’s Sports Approach 3. Hard Work 4. Competitions 5. Voluntary provision

1. The talent search Principle Highly achieving youngsters selected by teacher recommendation, portfolios and tests for extra education Predominant countries USA, Australia, Israel, UK, HK Assumptions Gifted children can be distinguished and nurtured in bursts

The talent search Center for Talented Youth CTY Baltimore USA

The talent search summary Pros Those selected receive excellent extra education and probably improved lifechances Cons May miss youngsters of equal potential. Expensive per student. Not enough; not sustained. Outcomes No distinct results. Confused by high proportion of well-off students No comparison between programmes.

Out-of-School Education for Gifts and Talents 1. The Talent Search 2. Self selection by provision 1. Freeman’s Sports Approach 3. Hard Work 4. Competitions 5. Voluntary provision

2. Self selection by provision Principle Open provision and child-led learning enables excellence Predominant countries China, ex-Soviet Union, New Zealand Assumptions Children’s interests allied with opportunities enables excellence

Self selection by provision Children’s Palaces in China

Self selection by provision summary Pros No child barred by tests or money Many facilities already available Need not be expensive Freeman’s Sports Approach Cons Without concerted organisation, provision could be patchy Outcomes Difficult to pin-point, but Far Eastern successes in international competitions are increasingly outstanding

Out-of-School Education for Gifts and Talents 1. The Talent Search 2. Self selection by provision 1. Freeman’s Sports Approach 3. Hard Work 4. Competitions 5. Voluntary provision

3. Hard work Principle Success depends on hard work of both child and teacher Predominant countries The Far East, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan Assumptions Each child starts with similar potential

Hard work summary Pros Child, teacher and parent work together. Supported by research evidence Cons Pressure and work-load on the child can be heavy, cutting into creativity and leisure Outcomes Educational surveys show Far Eastern success outstanding

Out-of-School Education for Gifts and Talents 1. The Talent Search 2. Self selection by provision 1. Freeman’s Sports Approach 3. Hard Work 4. Competitions 5. Voluntary provision

4. Competitions Principle Voluntary aim for prizes and prestige Can be inexpensive to run Predominant countries Germany, Eastern Europe, and many other parts of the world. Assumptions Gifts and talents are associated with competitiveness

Competitions summary Pros Open to all and attractive. Easily controlled and relatively inexpensive Cons No concern for educational context Requires competitive spirit Non-winners miss out on extra help Standards can vary Outcomes Prizes can improve life chances e. g. in music or chess

Out-of-School Education for Gifts and Talents 1. The Talent Search 2. Self selection by provision 1. Freeman’s Sports Approach 3. Hard Work 4. Competitions 5. Voluntary provision

5. Voluntary provision Principle Concerned adults provide extra education for bright children Predominant countries Everywhere in the world Assumptions The official educational system is not providing adequately for the gifted and talented

Voluntary provision summary Pros Access to activities usually open. A force for positive changes to national systems Cons Not always in concert with schools. Not concerned with children whose parents are not members Provision can be amateur Outcomes Quality and outcomes unknown

Where would you send these individuals?

We know that high level achievement needs - § Plentiful learning materials § High quality teaching § Plenty of practice § Example to follow § Emotional support § Potential

Provision – a holistic approach WEST EAST Avoids the DOMINANCE of ways of thinking

Communication – the key EAST WEST Knowledge sharing Networking Conferences International understanding