Characteristics of the Gifted
Many students who meet with academic success in the general education classroom are not candidates for the mentally gifted program. Children who are identified for the program usually process information at a faster rate and in a different manner than peers with the same chronological age.
Bright Child |
Gifted Learner |
| Knows the answer | Asks the questions Is interested |
| Is highly curious Is attentive | Is mentally and physically involved |
| Has good ideas | Has wild silly ideas |
| Works hard | Plays around, yet tests well |
| Answers the questions | Discusses in detail, elaborates |
| Top group | Beyond the top group |
| istens with interest | Show strong feelings and opinions |
| Learns with ease | Already knows |
| 6-8 repetitions for mastery | 1-2 repetitions for mastery |
| Understands ideas | Constructs abstractions |
| Is attentive | Is highly involved |
| njoys peers | Prefers adults |
| Grasps the meaning | Draws inferences |
| Completes assignments | Initiates projects |
| Is receptive | Is intense |
| Copies accurately | Creates a new design |
| Enjoys school | Enjoys learning |
| Absorbs information | Manipulates information |
| Technician | Inventor |
| Is alert | Good memorizer |
| Good guesser | Is keenly observant |
| Is pleased with own learning | Is highly self-critical |
| Enjoys straight forward | Thrives on complexity |
*Adapted from J. Szabos, Challenge Magazine, 1989