Understand the characteristics of gifted students / high achievers

Summary

This session explores the unique characteristics of gifted students, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their cognitive abilities, creativity, and achievements. It highlights the need for tailored educational approaches, including potential attendance at specialist schools or programs, to accommodate their advanced learning needs. The discussion also addresses the emotional challenges faced by these students, such as anxiety and self-confidence issues, and suggests strategies for motivating them, like providing challenging assignments and real-life problems. The session concludes with a call for educators to be reflective practitioners, sensitive to the diverse learning styles and emotional well-being of gifted students.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Gifted students are identified by cognitive ability, creativity, and high achievement on cognitive tests like the Woodcock Johnson or Stanford Bernay.
• 🎨 Not all gifted children excel academically; some may show exceptional talent in creative, artistic, or musical areas.
• 🤔 Characteristics of gifted children include inquisitiveness, sensitivity, strong feelings, extensive vocabulary, creativity, and cognitive advancement.
• 🌟 Giftedness can be concentrated in one area or more general, requiring educators to learn from and accommodate the child's advancement.
• 🏫 It may be beneficial for gifted children to attend specialist schools or programs that provide a suitable learning environment and resources.
• 🚫 Lack of resources in schools can lead to underachievement, boredom, or even dropping out among highly talented children.
• 😟 Gifted children often experience anxiety and lack of self-confidence due to their sensitivity to their environment.
• 👨‍🏫 Parents and educators should be aware of these difficulties and find appropriate alternatives to support gifted children's self-motivation and direction.
• 🧑‍🎓 Children can learn from adults but also have the capacity to self-teach, leading their learning with adult mentors providing guidance.
• 📈 Strategies to motivate gifted students include assigning challenging research questions, being aware of their interests, grouping them for collaborative learning, differentiating instruction, and providing real-life problem-solving opportunities.

Q & A

What are the typical characteristics of students considered high achievers or gifted?

High achievers or gifted students are typically identified by their cognitive ability, creativity, and achievement on cognitive tests. They may also exhibit effective and behavioral habits, and their portfolio of work is often reviewed to ascertain giftedness.

How do gifted children differ from those with exceptional academic talent?

Not all gifted children have exceptional academic talent; some may exhibit creative, artistic, or musical abilities that excel in relation to their peers.

What are some common traits of a gifted child?

Gifted children are often inquisitive, curious, highly sensitive, and have strong feelings. They enjoy adult conversation, possess extensive vocabulary, are creative with original ideas and ways of reasoning, and are aware of their surroundings.

Why is it important for parents and educators to learn from gifted children's advancement?

Parents and educators should learn from gifted children's advancement to make accommodations in their education, as it is essential to cater to their unique learning needs and differences.

What educational settings might be suitable for gifted children?

Gifted children may attend specialist schools that accommodate their needs or participate in special programs within regular schools that provide adequate opportunities for progress in a supportive classroom environment.

What challenges might gifted children face in a regular school environment?

Gifted children might face challenges such as underachievement, boredom in class, or even dropping out of school due to a lack of resources to stretch their exceptional talents.

How does anxiety affect gifted children?

Gifted children, who are often extremely sensitive to their environment, may experience anxiety, which can lead to a lack of self-confidence.

What strategies can be used to support the self-motivation and self-direction of gifted children?

Supporting gifted children involves being aware of their difficulties, finding appropriate alternative schooling, and allowing them to take the lead in their learning with adults acting as mentors.

What are some strategies to motivate gifted or high-achieving students in the classroom?

Strategies include assigning challenging research questions, being aware of their interests, grouping them together, differentiating instruction, and providing real-life problems and assignments.

How can educators ensure that gifted students are reaching their full potential?

Educators can ensure gifted students reach their full potential by providing emotional and academic support, the right resources, and a stimulating environment that caters to their learning differences.

What role do self-knowledge and choice play in the success of gifted students?

Self-knowledge and choice are crucial for gifted students as they need to understand who they are and have the opportunity to make decisions about their learning, which can be facilitated by giving them a choice of how and what to learn.