Educar desde el talento: Sistematización de una experiencia escolar basada en el trabajo grupal guiado por los intereses de los estudiantes

Abstract

This is the final report of the systematization of the pedagogical experience "With my talent I make my country", developed in the Francisco Torres León Educational Institution (Meta) from 2006 to the present. The general objective was to systematize this practice in order to recognize its educational potential in talent development. Methodologically, a qualitative approach based on the systematization of experiences was implemented, following the frameworks of Jara (2018), Ghiso (2018), and Cendales and Torres (2006). Semi-structured interviews with key actors, participant observation, and documentary analysis of the Institutional Educational Project (PEI) were conducted. The results reveal that the project operates as an “ecosystem of freedom,” giving visibility to students who do not traditionally excel academically through 42 talent areas in science, sports, art, and entrepreneurship. Three critical moments were identified: student disinterest in the existing offerings, the challenges posed by mandatory grading after the pandemic, and overcrowding combined with limited space. The conclusions indicate that the project’s success lies in the autonomy developed by both students and teachers, rather than in the annual festival itself. Cases of former students demonstrate that the project influences their life goals and actively involves parents. Finally, it is recommended that teachers receive ongoing training as co-learners, that culturally relevant talent offerings be expanded, and that expert instructors be secured with support from the state.