This website was created as an assignment for an Introduction to Gifted class. The views expressed are those of a Master's of Arts in Education student who is studying Elementary Education. Enjoy!
Giftedness and Intelligence
Although it is a topic that is frequently discussed and many different views exist, I believe that intelligence is something that is created by both nature and nurture. Our genes interact with our environment in order to generate our intellectual abilities. Intelligence is the ability to understand complex ideas, reason, and problem solve. The nature of giftedness also has multiple meanings. I believe that giftedness is not just defined by a person's intellectual abilities. I think that it can possibly include creativity, leadership, visual and performing arts, and outstanding knowledge in specific academic subjects. Therefore, in order to identify gifted students, I think that we should not only look at IQ scores but compare a wide range of student abilities or potential to their peers of similar age and experience. Although intelligence is important, I think that it should not be the sole factor to define and identify giftedness.
Curriculum and Programs
The following is a visual representation of what I believe effective programs and curriculum for gifted students contain and how they relate to characteristics of gifted students.