Back to: Inclusive Education, B ed Notes, M.A Notes, Graduation Notes
Identification of gifted students
Identification or separation of talented children from typical children is the first step in developing a special education plan for them. Like flowers in the desert or diamonds in the ground, many brilliant youngsters go unrecognised in the lack of recognition and sufficient support.
Making a difference between children who are intellectually gifted and children with particular abilities who do better in one or more areas is necessary for the accurate identification of talented children.
Intelligence tests are more frequently used as a screening tool to identify youngsters who are academically or intellectually bright. Psychologists disagree on how to distinguish between children who are average and those who are brilliant based on I.Q.
Some people define giftedness as youngsters with an I.Q. of 125 or higher, while others raise this threshold to 135 or 140. The standard is not universal and is somewhat arbitrary. The most widely acknowledged standard for separating the talented children from the general population, however, is an I.Q. of 130 or higher (as determined by an individual intelligence test).
De Haan and Kough’s list of distinguishing qualities, which is shown below, can be very useful in identifying kids who are academically or intellectually gifted:
- learns quickly and effortlessly.
- makes extensive use of common sense and actual experience.
- Think things through. Thinks clearly, discerns connections, and understands meanings.
- without a lot of rote practise, retains what he has heard or read.
- knows a lot of information that the majority of pupils do not.
- has a broad vocabulary that he can utilise effectively.
- able to read novels that are one or two years ahead of the class’ level.
- carries out challenging mental activities.
- Has a wide range of interests and asks plenty of questions.
- carries out some academic work a year or two before the rest of the class.
- Has creative ideas and employs effective yet unorthodox techniques.
- is quick to react, attentive, and perceptive.
As was already said, some talented youngsters display unique abilities or talents in one or more fields, although without having exceptional overall intellect. Such youngsters cannot be identified by intelligence testing. To identify the precise areas of these kids’ giftedness, rigorous observation and research are required.
Tests of aptitude can be quite helpful in this regard. Exploring the hidden gift frequently benefits from the use of interest inventories, anecdotal recordings, views, and reports from friends and teachers. Self-examination can occasionally be useful in determining the sort of giftedness that a youngster possesses. Additionally, a child’s unique skills are revealed through the sociometric procedures and personality tests used to measure their general behaviour. When given the chance for self-actualization and self-expression, some kids demonstrate their gifts.
Some people require a bit more inspiration and excitement. Therefore, a knowledgeable and experienced teacher should make every effort to identify the unique skills and talents of these kids so that they may receive the necessary support to succeed in their professions.
