The Impact of an Integrated Approach to Talent Development With Underachieving Students: A Mixed-Methods Study

• In Event: Diverse Populations and Gifted Education

Abstract

This study analyzed the impact of an enrichment program in STEM as an intervention to develop the social-emotional and academic skills of gifted students who self-identified as underachievers. Using surveys and interviews, we found that students who self-identified as underachievers did not present lower Goal Valuation, Attitudes Towards School Science, and STEM Interest, as expected according to the literature. Underachieving students’ Self-perception in Science was lower than that of students who did not self-identify as underachievers. However, those students’ self-perception in science changed after the intervention. Thematic analyses of the interviews confirmed the quantitative results, showing underachievers also presented high goal valuation, positive attitudes toward science, and interest in pursuing STEM careers.

Authors

• Brenda Cavalcante Matos, Purdue University
  Presenting Author

• Hernan Castillo-Hermosilla, Purdue University
  Presenting Author

• Yuxiao Zhang, Purdue University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Zafer Ozen, Purdue University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Tugce Karatas, Purdue University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Nielsen Pereira, Purdue University/Gifted Education Research & Resource Institute
  Presenting Author