Characteristics - gifted students

Characteristic

Positive behaviours

Negative behaviours

Highly curious

·    asks lots of questions

·    inquisitive

·    remembers details

·    asks inappropriate questions

·    poor group participant

·    easily diverted from task

Abstract thinker

·    makes generalisations

·    tests out ideas

·    questions others

·    questions authority

Flexible thinker

·    employs variety of strategies to work something out

·    manipulates people and situations by using a variety of strategies

Clever use of humour

·    enjoys 'adult' humour

·    gets teachers' jokes!

·    uses humour at the expense of others

Superior Vocabulary

·    heightened involvement in discussions

·    enjoys adult-like discussions

·    may be bossy or overbearing when working with others

Advanced Reading

·    reads widely

·    advanced vocabulary and comprehension

·    reads constantly

·    neglects peer interaction and work-prefers to read

Retention of knowledge; fast learner

·    moves beyond core content and skills quickly

·    detailed recall of facts

·    rushes work, then disrupts others

·    monopolises class discussions

Long attention span

·    concentrates and focuses on an area of interest for a long period of time

·    easily distracted unless the task is an area of passion or interest

Independent

·    self-directed

·    focused on task in research or study

·    reduced involvement in discussion or group work

·    uncooperative in a group

High level of responsibility and commitment

·    sets attainable goals

·    learns to accept own limitations

·    tolerant of peers in a group

·    self-critical

·    perfectionist when completing tasks

·    sets unrealistic expectations for other group members

Strong feelings and opinions

·    listens to others

·    shows concern and interest

·    considers others' points of view

·    aware of others' feelings

·    speaks out and lacks tact

·    overreacts to others comments and reactions

·    confrontational

Strong sense of justice

·    wants to 'save the world'

·    stands up for other children whom they think have been poorly treated

·    empathises with those less fortunate

·    argues the rules in games eg handball

·    frustration when others don't play exactly by rules

·    asks older children or adults to solve issues seen as ‘unfair'

Original and creative

·    comes up with ideas 'out of the box'

·    sees problems as a whole

·    connects thoughts and feelings

·    unaccepting of the status quo

·    absent minded or daydreamer

·    asks unrelated questions

·    disorganised

High energy level

·    wide variety of interests

·    organises time well

·    high level of individualised learning

·    often difficult to live with

·    may appear hyperactive

·    easily bored so seeks out new things to explore

Immersion learner

·    wants to know everything about a topic

·    becomes an expert on a topic by reading widely or talking to people

·    shows off knowledge to prove others wrong

·    focuses on topics of interest to them, at the expense of classroom work