O7: Research on the Brain and Learning: Plasticity and Variability and Their Impact on Talent Identification

This talk will introduce the idea that talent development is related to learning where learning is the physiological process of neuro-plastic changes in the brain. To develop talents, individuals must move from novice or beginner’s status to expertise levels of knowledge or skills in a particular domain. Learning depends on maximizing an individual’s potential through the experiences he or she has. This means that both nature (one’s genes) and nurture (one’s experiences) play roles in talent development. What is the definition of neuro-plasticity? How does the brain learn? How much human variability is there in learning potential? What is the most up-to-date knowledge about the brain and learning and the conditions under which plasticity thrives? This presentation will share current examples and new findings related to the variability of neuro-plasticity and its impact on talent identification.