Characteristics of Gifted Learners

What are some characteristics of gifted learners?  It is important to recognize and identify gifted learners early on so that these students’ full potential can be reached.

                Like all children, gifted learners are unique, so no one list of characteristics can be used to describe all gifted learners.  Additionally, definitions of what it means to be gifted vary from one district or state to another.  Once giftedness was thought of as an absolute state of being, but some recent studies seem to refute that belief.  Current research in the field approaches giftedness from a growth mindset and supports the idea that talent can be developed (Karnes & Stephens, 2008).  This does not mean that giftedness does not exist, or that all students are gifted, but rather students with extraordinary abilities need opportunities to pursue and develop their talents to the fullest (Cross, 2002).  The visuals below can provide some insight for educators and parents on some common characteristics that are present in many gifted students, including social-emotional difficulties that some AIG students face, and how to support their success.

References:

Cross, T. L. (2002). SENG. Retrieved October 27, 2016, from SENG Archives: http://sengifted.org/archives/articles/competing-with-myths-about-the-social-and-emotional-development-of-gifted-students

Karnes, F. and Stephens, K (2008). Achieving Excellence: Educating the Gifted and Talented. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education.

Nelhart and Betts, 2010.  Revised Profiles of the Gifted & Talented