Abstract

NAREA, Marigen; LISSI, María Rosa  and  ARANCIBIA, Violeta. Impact in the Classroom of an Extra School Enrichment Program for Academically Talented Students. Psykhe [online]. 2006, vol.15, n.2, pp.81-92. ISSN 0718-2228.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-22282006000200008.

This article presents the results of a study exploring the impact -at the classroom level- that has had participation of one or more students in an extra school enrichment program for talented students (PENTA-UC). This program is performed at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and recieves students from economically disadvantaged groups. The study uses a qualitative approach, and data were collected through interviews and focus groups. The sample was composed by 50 teachers, 11 students, 62 roommates, and 7 principals. The main finding is that having students in an extracurricular program for talent development does not cause negative effects in the classroom. Also, some unexpected positive consequences are observed; potentially, these can contribute to the improvement of teaching practices in the schools.

Keywords : academic talent; programs; classroom.