The T in PROTAG is for Talented. Talented is defined as a natural gift or ability. Sometimes the word “genius” is even given to people who exhibit talent. One other definition of talent that was used in ancient times is a unit of money. The bible parable about talents is actually about money and investments. I like to think of it being applicable to the current definition too.
So talent is all about using your personal resources. These resources could be interest, time, knowledge, opportunity, etc.
Angela Duckworth’s research showed that talent and intelligence don’t automatically point to success. In some ways natural talent can make it harder to succeed. If things have always been easy for someone, when things get hard they are more likely to give up. What is more likely to point to success is taking the opportunities, time, interest and knowledge that is given to you and being persistent. You need that resolution to really make the talent resources work.
Tests have often been used to measure talent and intelligence but they don’t measure true potential according to Duckworth’s research. It is the effort you add to talent that turns it into a skill. It is interesting how so many “naturally talented” people have put in years and years of work to get that way!
Daniel Pink shared three elements of intrinsic motivation that can help take talents to the next level: autonomy (having a choice), mastery (going deep into something), and purpose (a link to something bigger). If we can include these in our students’ education, we will have beneficial effects.
Characteristics of a Genius – Perspicacity
Characteristics of a Genius – Resolute
Characteristics of a Genius – Optimism
Characteristics of a genius – Action-Oriented
Characteristics of a Genius – Generosity