Characteristics of gifted and talented students
It is important to recognise that the gifted and talented are not a homogeneous group and that every student possesses a unique blend of traits.
However, when we look at gifted and talented students as a group, we can see clusters of common characteristics. Some students show evidence of these characteristics across a number of areas, while in others such evidence may be confined to a single endeavour. In the more highly gifted, these traits may be much more marked or intense.
With many gifted and talented students, the behaviours indicating their exceptional ability may not be readily observable. Some students may not have been provided with experiences in the areas of their giftedness or may not have had opportunities to demonstrate their ability. Others, for a variety of reasons, may be underachieving or deliberately hiding their giftedness. Some gifted and talented students may have learning difficulties that mask their real ability.
Almost every text ever written on the subject of giftedness contains a list of characteristics associated with the concept. As definitions of giftedness have broadened, so too have the categories of characteristics. Schools should view the list below (McAlpine and Reid, 1996) as a starting point in this area. Each school must develop a set of characteristics that reflects its own definition of, and approach to, the concept of giftedness and talent.
Note that no one gifted student is likely to possess all the characteristics listed on the 'Characteristic behaviours' page. It would be possible for a student to show clear evidence of all, or nearly all, the behaviours in one category but few in another.