Achievement and Aspirations in Mathematics and Science: Associations With Gifted Students' Flow Experiences

• In Event: 75.062 - Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: 75.062-4 - Poster Session: Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent

Abstract

This study examined gifted students' intense engagement (flow) when working in their main talent domain (mathematics or science) and how this related to achievement and future aspirations. An exploration of flow potency in various activities found that efficacy in a subject area was related to more potent flow experiences in that subject. In examining frequency of flow experiences, the study found positive relationships between talent domain flow frequency and achievement both in that domain and, more notably, in general achievement. Furthermore, it found that gifted students with frequent talent domain flow experiences demonstrated greater expressed intent to pursue a career related to that talent domain – an important finding for STEM fields in particular, where talent retention is an ongoing struggle.

Author

• Anna Collins, Northern Illinois University