Characteristics of Gifted Students

Each gifted child has his/her own unique traits. There are many traits that these students have in common, but no gifted learner exhibits traits in every way. This is a list of traits, strengths, and possible problems that AIG students could exhibit.

Social and Emotional Characteristics

Empathy for others

Advanced levels of moral judgement

Concerned with justice and fairness

Sensitive

Possibly gullible and naive

Sensitive to criticism

Self-critical

Cognitive Characteristics

Tends to be an early reader

Has a large vocabulary

Independent worker

Has a lot of different interests

Interest in problem-solving

Very curious

Goal directed

Academic Ability

Able to comprehend advanced content

Has quick mastery and recall of factual information

Persistent and goal directed

Perseverance in their interests

Long attention span when interested in content

Creative Ability

Offers unusual or clever answers

Has a vivid imagination

Has a keen sense of humor

Is a risk-taker

Adventurous

Ability to play with ideas

Preference with complexity

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Leadership Ability

Critical attitude toward others

Perfectionism

Aware of the larger society around them

Responsible

Tends to direct activities

Often questions authority