Development of expert thinking: The role of goal-oriented practice and practicing

Abstract

Exceptional achievements, expert masteries, masterful performances and creative products can be attained only after a number of years of guided and well-devised practice or goal-oriented practicing. We are dealing with a long-term, systematic and carefully guided training which gradually, step by step, leads towards developing expertise and producing supreme achievements and performances in different areas of human activities. This paper explores the role of goal-oriented practice in the development of expert thinking in science, its characteristics and levels of development. Expert thinking in science is defined as the competence developed through learning and practicing of a certain scientific discipline within systematic education and training as an integral part of artificial development. The goal-oriented practice takes place in phases. Its important feature is a gradual and carefully guided progress and enhancement of abilities that is achieved through meaningful tasks and relevant activities suited to age and the level of expertise in a particular domain, along with constant improvement of activities based on feedback provided by mentors. On the path of development of expertise and expert thinking in science, as one of the forms of manifesting giftedness, an individual needs to be ready to invest efforts, set aside the time and be dedicated to work, as well as to have the possibilities and opportunities to pursue scientific research.