Journal of East China Normal University(Educationa ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (2): 1-31.doi: 10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2026.02.001

   

Toward a Scientific, Multi-Purpose System of Assessment for Identifying and Nurturing Creative Talent

Yun Dai David1, Weina Lei2, Lin Zhu3   

  1. 1. Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, State University of New York-Albany, Albany, New York, 12222, USA
    2. Department of Educational and Psychology Science, Yuncheng University, Yuncheng, Shanxi, 044000, China
    3. Department of Education Theory & Practice, State University of New York-Albany, Albany, New York, 12222, USA
  • Online:2026-02-01 Published:2026-01-26

Abstract:

The nurturing of creative talent in basic and higher education has been a burgeoning movement in China. However, there is a lack of solid theoretical foundation and methodological guidance as to how talent identification and learning process evaluation can be done. This article proposes a three-phase theoretical framework of creative talent development based on developmental science. It uses the framing concepts of “proximal processes” and “dynamic changes” for situated appraisals and decision-making. It further proposes five application scenarios (selection, diagnosis, nurturing, counseling, and self-assessment), each carrying its own objectives, foci, and methods. The main argument is that assessment and evaluation need to go hand-in-hand with educational activities so that they become an integral part of nurturing creative talent and supporting optimal development. In this spirit, with the support of AI, we look forward to a future when a self-directed learning can be enhanced with an automated assessment/guidance system, and many students can learn to develop an innovative edge and make creative contributions in their own ways.

Key words: creative talent, proximal processes, talent assessment, development stage, dynamic vs. static assessment, evaluation scenario, artificial intelligence, independent learning, technology platform for assessment