1. Traits and Characteristics
Gifted Learners:
Traits and Characteristics
Patti Wood, PhD
Samford University

2. Thinking About Giftedness
What do you think of when you hear the word giftedness?
Who are some people you would say are gifted and why? What characteristics do they display?

3. Who are Gifted Learners?
Comprehend complex ideas quickly
Learn more rapidly and in greater depth than their age peers
Exhibit interests that differ from those of their peers
Need time for in-depth exploration
Manipulate ideas and draw generalizations about seemingly unconnected concepts
Ask provocative questions

4. Characteristics of Giftedness: Intellectual/Academic
Advanced language
Logical thinking
Motivation, persistence
Advanced reading, writing, and/or math
Advanced interests
Exceptional reasoning ability
Intellectual curiosity
Rapid learning rate
Passion for learning

5. Characteristics of Giftedness: Creative
original
independent
risk-taking
energetic
curious
advanced sense of humor
aware of own creativity

6. Characteristics of Giftedness: Personality
insightfulness
intensity
sensitivity/empathy
perseverance
need for mental stimulation
need for precision/logic
acute self-awareness
nonconformity
tendency toward introversion

7. Characteristics of Giftedness: Leadership
assertive decision-making
persuasive/innovator
strong communication skills
competent (knowledgeable)
accepts responsibility
organizational ability
persistent
integrity
risk-taker
charismatic
altruistic
goal-oriented

8. Characteristics of Giftedness: Affective
Asynchronous Development
Mental ability outstrips chronological age
and physical development.
Perfectionism
Multipotentiality
Underachievement
Depression/Stress

9. Characteristics: Not-so-attractive
sloppy, disorganized
self-centered, intolerant
moody, emotional
forgetful, absentminded
overactive physically or mentally
tends to question rules & authority
stubborn, uncooperative
may not participate in class activities
argumentative, sarcastic, rebellious

10. Bright/High-Achiever Gifted/Talented Learner
vs.
Gifted/Talented Learner

11. A High Achiever… Knows the answer Grasps meaning Is interested
Has good ideas
Understands ideas
Completes assignments
Grasps meaning
Listens with interest
Absorbs information
Is receptive

12. A Gifted Learner… Asks the question Is curious
May have unexpected ideas
Constructs abstractions
Initiates projects
Draws inferences
Demonstrates strong opinions
Manipulates information

13. In the classroom, the high achiever…
Completes all homework on time
Is concerned about format and project requirements
Is organized
Works neatly
Controls group projects
Maintains perfect attendance
Strives for an “A”
Follows all the rules

14. In the classroom, the gifted learner…
Forgets to complete assignments
Focuses on a unique aspect of an assignment or project
Is disorganized
Asks deep questions about a topic
Spends hours on research and minutes on presentation
Does not care about the grade
Challenges the rules