A Cooperative Approach to Modeling Talent Development in STEM Fields in Elementary School

We present two domain-specific talent development models for mathematics and natural science in elementary school. The models were formulated based on the joined expertise of giftedness researchers and teachers. An extensive search of the scientific literature, as well as several teacher workshops in the context of a nation-wide German teacher training program were conducted. The results show that teachers and scientists share a multidimensional, dynamic view on talent development. The cognitive abilities, personality traits and psychosocial skills related to talent development in mathematics and science are presented. The resulting models can be used as a starting point for the construction of diagnostic material, the training of diagnostic abilities in teachers, and for the promotion of gifted children.