Teacher ToolsTeacher 
Tools

Talented

Pupils walking to school

Identifying talented learners can cause teachers concern, particularly when talents are 'hidden'. Looking beyond the use of rigid assessment procedures offers teachers more flexibility in the identification of talent.

Indicators of talent relating to the creative arts and sport can be explored in greater depth at the Creative Generation and National Curriculum websites.

Dr. Joseph Renzulli's work in developing the 'three-ring conception of giftedness' illustrates how talented pupils can be identified. Three interlocking sets of characteristics: above average intellectual ability, creativity and task commitment, and their interaction, are shown to be the necessary ingredients of success. Personality and environmental factors are also influential.