Giftedness

Directions: Based upon your categorizations of famous gifted individuals, develop a definition
of giftedness and a list of common characteristics. Use the following websites to research the
definitions of intelligence and giftedness proposed by each theorist.
http://www.intelltheory.com/ Explore the Biographical Profiles via the Interactive Map, the
Alphabetical Index, and the Time Period Index.
http://tip.duke.edu/node/839 Read Asynchrony: A New Definition of Giftedness
http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10623.aspx Read Giftedness and the Gifted
As you complete your research, take notes to show how each theorists definition either supports
and/or refutes your definition and characteristics.
Support
Galton
innate

Terman
-superior in leadership &
social adaptability
-top 1% intelligence
-need differentiated instruction
-allowed to develop unique
ability
Leta Hollingworth
-innate
-talent needs to be nurtured

Group Definition of
Giftedness & List of
Characteristics
One who has an innate
potential to excel far beyond
their peers in fields such as
academics, the arts, or
leadership.
CHARACTERISTICS:
-curious
-selectively engaged
-generates complex, abstract
ideas
-enjoys self-directed learning
-already knows
-poses unforeseen questions
-task commitment
-superior reasoning
-continually developing
-likes a challenge

Refute
Galton

Terman
-taller
-healthier
-physically better developed

Leta Hollingworth
-men have wider range of
talents and defects than
women

Guilford
-

Guildford
-combo of multiple abilities
-not innate/absolute

Wechsler
-norms.deviation quotient
-Intelligence is the aggregate
or global capacity of the

Wechsler

individual to act purposefully,

to think rationally and to deal
effectively with his
environment

Marland
-natural
-appropriate instruction should
be high priority (in appropriate
can cause difficult emotional
and social situation)

Marland

Taylor
-not all same talents
-test in all areas because could
be gifted in more than one
area
-by identifying and teaching
with multiple intelligences
students will be more
motivated
Renzulli
-widened concept of
giftedness with emphasis on
above average ability,
creativity, task commitment
Gardner
-Different metaphoric pools
of mental energy

Taylor
-1/3 should be gifted

Sternberg
-capitalize on strengths

Sternberg
-intelligence is a balance
between analytical, creative,
practical abilities
-correct weaknesses by
capitalizing on strengths
Dweck
-kids theories on their own
intelligences can impact their

Dweck

Renzulli

Gardner

Benbow
-biological origin for
mathematical abilities
-gender differences in
mathematical reasoning ability
rise because of environmental
influences and socialization.
Silverman

potential for learning (if they

believe they have lower
intelligence they will not
challenge themselves)
-those who believe
intelligence can be ioncreased
will challenge themselves.
Benbow

Silverman

Directions: Based upon your research, synthesize your understanding of giftedness by completing the Frayer Diagram.

Characteristics:

Definition:
One who has an innate potential
to excel far beyond their peers in
fields such as academics, the
arts, or leadership.

-superior artist
-superior athlete
-theorist
-Inventor
-philosopher
-mathematician
-politician
-movers & shakers
-manipulators
-logical
-spacial
-leaders
-risk takers

-curious
-selectively mentally engaged
-generates complex, abstract ideas
-enjoys self-directed learning
-already knows
-poses unforeseen questions
-task commitment
-superior reasoning
-continually developing
-likes a challenge
-manipulates information

GIFTEDNESS

-model
-hard worker
-teacher pleaser
- followers
-middle-management
-memorizes
-mimmicks

Examples
Non-Examples