Characteristics of Gifted Learners:
Gifted learners often times are overlooked and sometimes no different from their peers. However, in many situations they are very different from their peers and may not fit the perceived perception of a typical student. Gifted students often show characteristics of their giftedness in one or more areas. On this page you will find some common characteristics of gifted learners in the categories of intellectual and academic characteristics, creative characteristics, and social-emotional characteristics. It is important to note that not all gifted students look alike. Some may have characteristics in one area only while others have characteristics in multiple areas. It is also important to note that there are both positive and negative characteristics of giftedness and that those observing students should be cognizant of both. This short list of characteristics is helpful for those who may not be aware of what giftedness may look like in students. Noting these characteristics may help both parents, students, and educators address the needs of the learner.
In the list below a brief list of characteristics will be noted. Often noted and desirable characteristics will be noted in GREEN and some times overlooked or less desirable characteristics will be noted in RED.
Intellectual and Academic Characteristics:
- Superior Comprehension: high level thinking skill
- Long Attention Span: Can be come fixated on idea or topic
- Curiosity: Asks how and why to a variety of topics
- Multiple Interests: Is highly capable in several areas
- Insightful: applies knowledge to new and different situations
- Difficultly making age appropriate friends
- Unequal mental development: advanced / gifted in only a specific area.
- Solves problems creatively: out of the box thinking and reasoning
- Developed sense of humor: understands sarcasm
- Curiosity: risk taking
- Enjoys alone time: likes to complete tasks without interruption
- Impulsive: needs answers immediately
Careless: hurries through work to get to more interesting task
- Honesty: concern for justice and what is right
- Compassion: sensitive toward others, empathy
- High Motivation: active in and out of school, perseverance
- Independent: high self-concept, often works alone
- Personal Reflection: actions imitate beliefs, evaluates thoughts/decisions
- Frustation: when not successful at first attempt
Self-Criticism: Takes all actions personally