Characteristics


 * Characteristics of gifted **

Learning characteristics

 * Displays logical and analytical thinking
 * Is quick to see patterns and relationships
 * Masters information quickly
 * Strives for accurate and valid solutions to problems
 * Easily grasps underlying principles
 * Likes intellectual challenge
 * Jumps stages in learning
 * Seeks to redefine problems, pose ideas, and formulate hypotheses
 * Finds as well as solves problems
 * Reasons things out for her- or himself
 * Formulates and supports ideas with evidence
 * Can recall a wide range of knowledge
 * Independently seeks to discover the why and how of things

Creative thinking characteristics

 * Produces original ideas
 * Displays intellectual playfulness, imagination, and fantasy
 * Creates original texts or invents things
 * Has a keen sense of humour and sees humour in the unusual
 * Generates unusual insights
 * Enjoys speculation and thinking about the future
 * Demonstrates awareness of aesthetic qualities
 * Is not afraid to be different
 * Generates a large number of ideas
 * Is prepared to experiment with novel ideas and risk being wrong
 * Seeks unusual rather than conventional relationships

Motivational characteristics

 * Strives for high standards of personal achievement
 * Is self-directed
 * Is highly self-motivated and sets personal goals
 * Is persistent in seeing tasks to completion
 * Becomes committed to and absorbed in tasks
 * Tends to be self-critical and evaluative
 * Is reliable
 * Prefers to work independently

Social leadership characteristics

 * Takes the initiative in social situations
 * Is popular with peers
 * Communicates well with others
 * Actively seeks leadership in social situations
 * Shows ability to inspire a group to meet goals
 * Persuades a group to adopt ideas or methods
 * Is self-confident
 * Is adaptable and flexible in new situations
 * Actively seeks leadership in sporting activities
 * Is socially mature
 * Is willing to take responsibility
 * Synthesises ideas from group members to formulate a plan of action

Self-determination characteristics

 * Is sceptical of authoritarian pronouncements
 * Questions arbitrary decisions
 * Pushes teachers and adults for explanations
 * Displays a precocious interest in 'adult' problems
 * Is reluctant to practice skills already mastered
 * Is easily bored with routine tasks
 * Expresses ideas, preferences, and opinions forthrightly
 * Relates well to older children and adults, and often prefers their company
 * Asks searching questions