Designing Holistic Talent Development Programs: A Critical Study from Framework to Implementation

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 7:45am
  In Poster Session: Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Poster Sessions

Abstract

This study addresses a pressing need in gifted education: understanding how holistic talent development programs are designed and implemented in real-world, culturally diverse contexts. Using a qualitative case study of an out-of-school program in India, we examined how cognitive and affective goals are integrated to foster emotionally intelligent and socially engaged, high-ability youth. Drawing on five years of implementation, the study analyzed how holistic principles are enacted and sustained in practice. Data sources (N = 96) included program documents, feedback forms, nomination forms, non-participant observations, and semi-structured interviews. Findings offer insights into inclusive identification practices, curriculum design, implementation fidelity, and practitioner-led inquiry. The study offers a replicable model that reimagines talent development as a transformative process.

Authors

• Veena Kulkarni, Jnana Prabodhini , India

• Aparnagouri Phatak, Jnana Prabodhini's Institute of Psychology

• Kshama Datar, ExtraHop

• Aakash Arvind Chowkase, Yale University