Presenter - Franzis Preckel, PhD., full Professor of Giftedness Research and Education in the Department of Psychology at Trier University, Germany.

Abstract: The construct of Need for Cognition reflects individual differences in the tendency to seek, engage in, and enjoy effortful cognitive activities. Need for Cognition has received increasing attention in educational psychology and giftedness research. It is positively related to cognitive variables and motivational constructs such as academic self-concept, interests, and academic achievement. Students with high Need for Cognition are motivated to exert cognitive effort, they are more attracted to cognitively challenging tasks than students with low Need for Cognition, and they tend to adopt a deep rather than a surface approach to learning. Need for Cognition thus explains interindividual differences in individuals' willingness to invest cognitive effort, and it is discussed as a general factor among various traits related to intellectual investment. Notably, Need for Cognition is largely independent of individual student characteristics such as gender, socioeconomic status, or immigrant background, which underscores the importance of Need for Cognition in educational research, especially with regard to diverse student populations. In my talk, I will present recent research on the role of Need for Cognition in academic learning and achievement, and discuss the potential role of Need for Cognition in understanding giftedness and talent development.]

Free for AGATEVic members and teachers of AGATEVic member schools. 

Zoom session: details will be emailed to registered participants