Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

Giftedness
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

The Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines the

term "gifted" as:
1. Having great natural ability
2. Revealing a special gift.

"Gifted" children have been defined as those "who by

nature of outstanding abilities are capable of high
performance". The term "outstanding abilities" refers
to general intellectual ability, specific academic
aptitude, leadership ability, ability in the visual or
performing arts, creative thinking, or athletic ability.
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

Definitions

Giftedness is traditionally defined as having an

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) higher than 130. This
translates to an intellectual capacity beyond that
expected for the chronological age of the child. It also
indicates a potential to achieve highly in both childhood
and adulthood.
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

Most gifted children display a higher rate of

concentration and memory capacity.

There is no typical gifted child, for particular talents

and social environments give rise to varying
personality patterns. Achievement patterns also vary.
Differences among them will be found, even when
they are grouped together.

Some are very strong in one subject and weak in

others. The gifted mathematician may be an average
reader, the gifted artist may be poor in mathematic
and the early reader may lack the ability to organize
time and materials.
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

Needs of Gifted Children

The need for/to :

Knowledge and Understanding

Creativity
Development of their exceptional ability or
abilities
Self actualization or self expression
Feel comfortable with their differences
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences
List of characteristics common in gifted four-, five-, and six-year olds (Smutny, 2000):

1.Express curiosity about many things

2.Ask thoughtful questions
3.Have extensive vocabularies and use complex sentence structure
4.Are able to express themselves well
5.Solve problems in unique ways
6.Have good memories
7.Exhibit unusual talent in art, music, or creative dramatics
8.Exhibit especially original imaginations
9.Use previously learned things in new contexts
10.Are unusually able to order things in logical sequence
11.Discuss and elaborate on ideas
12.Are fast learners
13.Desire to work independently and take initiative
14.Exhibit wit and humor
15.Have sustained attention spans and are willing to persist on challenging tasks
16.Are very observant
17.Show talent in making up stories and telling them
18.Are interested in reading.
A gifted child might not show all of the above characteristics all the time, but parents and
professionals will generally see a pattern when observing over an extended period of time.
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

Gifted children may be characterized (common) by:

unusual alertness
long attention span
high activity level
less need for sleep
keen sense of observation
extreme curiosity
excellent memory
advanced progression through developmental milestones
early onset of language
intense interest in books
rapid learning ability
sensitivity, both emotional and physical
intensity
preference for older companions
abstract reasoning
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

Problems of Gifted Children

Indifferent attitude of others
Social rejection by peers
Classroom maladjustment
Their inquisitive attitude and higher level of curiosity is
sometimes a matter of embarrassment to the teachers
and elders and they portray them as aggressive or
snoopy
Their original and stimulating contributions are seen as
disturbance
Teachers see them as trouble makers as their creativity,
inventiveness disrupts the efforts of teachers and
conventional method of teaching becomes difficult for
the teachers
Their high energy level may appear as symptoms of
hyperactivity
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

Identification of Gifted Children

Identification has to be in relation to two groups of
children:

The intellectually gifted

Children having specific giftedness in one area

or the other not necessarily associated with high
intelligence
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

Identification of Gifted Children

A comprehensive report consisting of :
Standardized tests
Observations (parents, teachers)
Anecdotal information: rating scales, checklist
Self evaluation of child
Cumulative record
Report of psychologists, psychiatrists and other
professionals
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

Education of Gifted Children

Separate schools
Ability grouping and Separate classes
Acceleration
Providing early admission to school
Skipping grades or classes
Telescoping grade
Advance placement
Early admission to college
Enrichment
 Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

References
http://nswagtc.org.au/info/identification/characteri
stics.html
http://www.brainy-child.com/article/gifted-
child.html
http://giftedkids.about.com/od/gifted101/a/definitio
ns.htm

Educating Exceptional Children : SK Mangal

Educational Psychology : Santrock