Talent Development vs. Schooling

Think of those people who have achieved the highest levels of accomplishment in cognitive, artistic, and athletic fields. What contributed to their greatness? What role did schools play in their success—and what role could they play?

Benjamin Bloom and Lauren Sosniak tackled this issue in "Talent Development vs. Schooling," (PDF) an article in the November 1981 issue of Educational Leadership that provided a glimpse at research led by Bloom on the backgrounds of such highly talented individuals.

Bloom and Sosniak note that "in general, school learning emphasizes group learning and the subject or skills to be learned. Talent development typically emphasizes the individual and his or her progress in a particular activity." Thus, greatness was often cultivated by intensive one-on-one tutoring outside of school, from a very young age.

What can educators learn from this research? Bloom and Sosniak discuss the importance of home-school coordination to reinforce learning, the value of recognition, and the need for formative assessment that gives feedback to students as they learn. As the NCLB-era places more emphasis on proficiency for all, this article is an inspiring look at how educators can help draw out the special skills and talents of their students.

For further reading: the ongoing research described in this article led to the publication of the book Developing Talent in Young People, published in 1985.

Comments

[George Peternel]

I recall attending a principals' workshop in the early 90's and hearing a speaker recommend a little gem called SOAR WITH YOUR STRENGTHS by Donald O. Clifton and Paula Nelson. The book is the story of my life ... soaring with my strengths and managing my weaknesses. The book takes the ideas of Bloom and Sosniak and shows how to make them happen.

But NCLB isn't about soaring, just meeting minimum AYP standards. And it isn't about managing weaknesses ... its about remediating weaknesses. The NCLB era has hijacked educators and diverted them away from drawing out the special skills and talents of their students. "Proficiency for all" is a well-intended mantra, but Bloom and Sosniak must be rolling over in their graves. At least Bloom.