Characteristics of Gifted Students
Using Traits for Identification
Knowing these characteristics will help educators in identifying the gifted students in their classroom. Not all of the traits in this list can or will apply to every gifted child. Each gifted student is unique. They may present with a mixture of these traits or they may only show a few. It is important to recognise that the gifted student is not always the well behaved compliant student. They aren’t always good at everything. Teachers need to be aware of the different traits gifted students may show. You can read more about the myths of gifted students here.
Why Does it Matter?
Did you know that as many as 10% of students could be considered gifted? This means that you most likely have at least one gifted student in your classroom. It’s important that teachers are able to identify gifted students in their classroom so you can meet the complex needs of these students. Gifted students have specific learning needs that require a special education program or they may be at educational risk.
Characteristics of Gifted Students
This list of characteristics (Davis, Rimm & Siegle, 2014), will help you identify gifted students in your classroom:
- Early and rapid learning
- Enjoyment of learning
- Underachievement
- Advanced reader
- Keen observer
- Good memory
- Imaginative
- Creative
- Ability for complex thinking
- Highly curious
- Abstract and flexible thinking
- Strong sense of justice
- Overexcitabilities
- Highly/early developed sense of humor
- Specific areas of talent (math, music, reading etc.)
- High expectations of self / Perfectionism
- Wide and advanced interests
- Quirky
- Enthusiastic about their own unique interests
- Absorbs information quickly (few repetitions needed)
- Aware of global issues
- Advanced vocabulary
- Excellent problem solving and reasoning skills
- Demonstrates a need for logic and accuracy
What Next?
If you would like a pdf copy of these traits to keep handy in your classroom you can download it here. If you find a student shows a number of these traits, it might be worth investigating a bit further!
