Gifted Learners: Traits and Characteristics

Patti Wood, PhDSamford University

Thinking About Giftedness

• What do you think of when you hear the word giftedness?

• Who are some people you would say are gifted and why? What characteristics do they display?

Who are Gifted Learners?

Comprehend complex ideas quickly Learn more rapidly and in greater depth than their age peers Exhibit interests that differ from those of their peers Need time for in-depth exploration Manipulate ideas and draw generalizations about seemingly unconnected concepts Ask provocative questions

Characteristics of Giftedness: Intellectual/Academic

Advanced language Logical thinking Motivation, persistence Advanced reading, writing, and/or mathAdvanced interests Exceptional reasoning ability Intellectual curiosity Rapid learning rate Passion for learning

Characteristics of Giftedness: Creative

original independent risk-taking energetic curious advanced sense of humor aware of own creativity

Characteristics of Giftedness: Personality

insightfulness intensity sensitivity/empathy perseverance need for mental stimulation need for precision/logic acute self-awareness nonconformity tendency toward introversion

Characteristics of Giftedness: Leadership

assertive decision-making persuasive/innovator strong communication skills competent (knowledgeable) accepts responsibility organizational ability

persistent integrity risk-taker charismatic altruistic goal-oriented

Characteristics of Giftedness: Affective

Asynchronous DevelopmentMental ability outstrips chronological age and physical development.

Perfectionism Multipotentiality Underachievement Depression/Stress

Characteristics: Not-so-attractive

sloppy, disorganized self-centered, intolerant moody, emotional forgetful, absentminded overactive physically or mentallytends to question rules & authority stubborn, uncooperative may not participate in class activities argumentative, sarcastic, rebellious

Bright/High-Achiever

vs.

Gifted/Talented Learner

A High Achiever… • Knows the answer• Is interested• Has good ideas• Understands ideas• Completes assignments

• Grasps meaning• Listens with interest• Absorbs information• Is receptive

A Gifted Learner…

• Asks the question• Is curious• May have unexpected ideas• Constructs abstractions• Initiates projects• Draws inferences• Demonstrates strong

opinions• Manipulates information

In the classroom, the high achiever…

• Completes all homework on time• Is concerned about format and project

requirements• Is organized• Works neatly• Controls group projects• Maintains perfect attendance• Strives for an “A”• Follows all the rules

In the classroom, the gifted learner…• Forgets to complete

assignments• Focuses on a unique aspect of

an assignment or project• Is disorganized• Asks deep questions about a

topic• Spends hours on research and

minutes on presentation• Does not care about the grade• Challenges the rules