Understanding and supporting the flourishing of the exceptional ability: A positive psychology approach to educational psychology practice

Abstract

Having completed the first decade of the new century, we have entered a time of increased global competition where other nations are becoming more ambitious about what they aim to achieve through education. This article aims to consider what contributions might be made by educational psychology research and practice towards understanding and supporting children and young people who demonstrate knowledge and skills in the upper echelons of the ability range. An argument is made that, within a positive psychology and interactive factors approach, there is much to be gleaned and shared about how to provide appropriate support for increased numbers young people to reach levels of impressive or exceptional performance. With the persuasive justification that ‘a rising tide raises all ships’, an optimistic, proactive and ecological approach to future educational psychology practice is advocated in order to mobilise the resources, qualities and structures which can optimise educational achievement for all (including the most able).