A gifted student, also referred to as a "gifted learner" or "highly able student," is an individual who displays exceptional aptitude, skills, or potential in one or multiple areas when compared to their peers of the same age, background, or grade level. These students possess an outstanding level of intellectual, artistic, creative, leadership, or academic abilities that surpass the norm. Their talents and capabilities often manifest at an early age and require different educational strategies, interventions, or accommodations to fully support their development and meet their unique needs.
Gifted students typically exhibit advanced problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, rapid learning abilities, intense curiosity, and an eagerness to explore complex concepts or subjects. They may excel in academic areas such as mathematics, science, language arts, or arts and have the capacity for high achievement across various disciplines. Moreover, gifted students may demonstrate advanced social and emotional sensitivities, social maturity, a strong sense of justice, and a predisposition towards deep reflections.
To nurture gifted students' potential, specialized educational programs or approaches are often implemented to challenge and provide appropriate opportunities for growth, creativity, and academic enrichment. These programs can include acceleration, enrichment, individualized instruction, mentorship, group activities, and more. It is crucial for educators, parents, and educational institutions to identify, understand, and support gifted students to ensure they receive adequate stimulation, engagement, and motivation to flourish academically and personally.
