Characteristics of “gifted” students

 

Distinguishing features of the gifted become apparent from an early age.

 Silverman (1993) provided a useful generalisation of the intellectual and associated personality characteristics of the gifted group.

 Not all of these features are exclusive to gifted students, but such students possess them to a greater degree.

Intellectual traits

• Exceptional reasoning ability
• Intellectual curiosity
• Rapid learning rate
• Facility for abstraction
• Complex thought processes
• Vivid imagination
• Early moral concern
• Passion for learning
• Powers of concentration
• Analytical thinking
• Divergent thinking/creativity
• Keen sense of justice
• Capacity for reflection

Personality Traits

• Insightful
• Need to understand
• Need for mental stimulation
• Perfectionism
• Need for precision/logic
• Excellent sense of humour
• Sensitivity/empathy
• Intensity
• Perseverance
• Acute self-awareness
• Nonconformity
• Questioning rules/authority
• Tendency to introversion

 

Not all the characteristics of gifted and talented students are seen as positive.

 Davis and Rimm (2004) listed the following negative characteristics that gifted students may display. These are often exhibited by gifted underachievers

 • Stubbornness

• Non participation in class activities

• Uncooperativeness

• Cynicism

• Sloppiness and disorganisation

• A tendency to question authority

• Emotional frustration

• Absentmindedness

• Low interest in detail.

What should you do if you think your child is gifted or has particular talents in Art, Music, Sport or Expressive Arts?

 Contact Mr Irving at the college.