Characteristics of Gifted Learners

Characteristics of Gifted Children

Gifted students can often be recognized by certain characteristics and behaviors.  Gifted students can be found in all ethnic and racial groups.  RISE focuses on three ability areas: 1. General intellectual ability, 2. Task commitment, and 3. Creative/productive thinking ability.  A child who is usually able in one or more of these areas often:

• Has an unusually good vocabulary

• Has quick mastery and recall of information

• Has lots of information on a variety of topics

• Is alert and observant (usually sees more or gets more out of a story, film, etc. than others)

• Reads a great deal on his/her own

• Reasons things out, recognizes relationships, comprehends meanings, and makes logical associations

• Works persistently on things that interest him/her

• Is easily bored with routine tasks

• Prefers to work independently; requires little direction from teachers

• Strives for perfection; is self-critical

• Often is self-assertive, may be stubborn in his/her beliefs

• Is curious about many things, asks questions about anything and everything

• Reveals originality in written, oral, and/or artistic expression

• Offers unusual, unique, or clever answers

• Is uninhibited in giving opinions

• Is often concerned with different ways of doing “things” (will modify, improve, or adapt)

• Displays a keen sense of humor

• Is nonconforming; accepts disorder, does not fear being different

-Joseph S. Renzulli, Professor University of Connecticut

The behaviors cited are general characteristics.  Individual gifted children may not possess all the characteristics.  In a supportive home/school environment, certain characteristics (such as those associated with creativity and risk taking) may be much more pronounced.