Similarities Between Gifted and Talented

The current educational environment is taking significant efforts at school reform, but often finds it challenging to identify students for participation in programs for the gifted and the talented. It continues to be one of the most widely debated topics. So, why does this happen? It’s because of many factors, such as cultural and socioeconomic biases, lack of teacher training, standardized testing limitations, etc.

This often results in the gifted being overlooked and not receiving the required support to identify their true potential. The system is struggling to identify the appropriate definitions and theories of giftedness in students and adults alike. This sometimes results in the non-gifted receiving unnecessary attention and resources. So, it’s very important educators must equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to identify gifted and talented students.

Who is called gifted?

Sometimes, people are born with extraordinary abilities such as high level of intellect or intelligence, or creative abilities that are typically evident from a very young age. Children who are born with such above-average natural abilities can be described as being gifted. These are the children who demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability and are able to abstract and solve complex problems.

Gifted individuals exhibit unusual skills or expertise in a variety of domains, including academics and arts, athletics, music, sports, and more. In terms of intelligence, students or individuals with a 145+ IQ level are considered highly gifted. These are children who are born with advanced abilities and demonstrate exceptional ability in intellectual, creative, and/or artistic areas.

Who is called talented?

If you’re exceptionally good at something compared to others, you’re what we call talented. The terms gifted and talented are often used interchangeably because both of them are used to describe people with great natural abilities. Talented individuals, however, are really good at something and hold themselves to higher than usual standards of achievement. Talented kids are often called prodigies.

Talent basically refers to a specific ability or skill that has been honed to a high level through training, practice, or experience. Talent is like expertise acquired by doing things over time, and be really good at it. For example, a professional guitarist or an exceptional speaker both can be called talented because they developed and nurtured their skills through years of practice and training.

Similarities between Gifted and Talented

1. Intellectual and Creative Ability – Both the gifted and talented are highly curious individuals, naturally inquisitive and who always show a greater degree of interest towards learning new things. They may have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and are frequently driven to explore new possibilities, ideas and concepts. They may also be highly creative and have the ability to think outside the box.
2. High Levels of Achievement – The gifted and talented hold themselves to higher levels of achievement, meaning they both are extremely motivated to perform better and get good grades consistently. Their ability is more advanced than that of similar-aged peers across multiple areas. They frequently outperform their peers and may excel in academics, sports, or the arts. They may also be recognized for their ability to solve complex problems.
3. Intense Focus and Perseverance – They are intense in their pursuit of knowledge or in the way they learn, which is why they grasp so much information so quickly. They tend to be very focused on their interests and goals. They may devote hours to practicing or working on projects related to their abilities. They are highly self-motivated and may persevere in the face of obstacles or setbacks.
4. Heightened Sensitivity and Emotional Intelligence – Several studies and research suggest that gifted and talented individuals feel emotions more intensely than similar-aged peers. They may be extremely sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, as well as extremely empathetic. They may be more prone to adjustment difficulties, such as low self-esteem, competitiveness, etc. Because of this they often experience feelings of inferiority, anxiety, and self-criticism.

Summary

To sum it all up, individuals who are gifted and talented demonstrate exceptional potential or ability in specific areas. The gifted become talented when their skills and knowledge are developed and nurtured over time. One of the noticeable signs that a child might be gifted or born with natural talent is advanced development. Besides that, intellectual curiosity, high achievement, intense focus, and heightened sensitivity are common characteristics of gifted and talented people.

FAQs

What it means to be gifted and talented?

Individuals who are gifted and talented show advanced academic or creative abilities in one or more areas that are above the norm. They have exceptional talent or natural ability in any domain or multiple domains.

What is the IQ for gifted and talented?

It is generally considered that those with an IQ score of 130 or above are called gifted. A child possessing an IQ of 115 to 130 may be mildly gifted; an IQ of 130 to 145 is moderately gifted; and an IQ of 145 to 160 means a child is exceptionally gifted.

What are the characteristics of gifted and talented?

High intellectual curiosity, high levels of achievement, intense focus, and heightened sensitivity are common characteristics of gifted and talented people.

Do we still use the term gifted and talented?

Yes, the words gifted and talented are still used today, especially in education and psychology.

Does gifted mean autistic?

While there are certain aspects of gifted people that may influence or amplify a gifted child’s experience with mental health issues, giftedness does not always fall on the autism spectrum. While some autistic people are gifted, the two terms refer to different aspects of a person’s abilities. 

How do I know if I’m gifted?

There are some early signs you could identify, such as superior reasoning ability, unusual insight and intellectual curiosity, early verbal ability, long attention span, strong problem-solving skills, and more. You could also consult a qualified psychologist who can help you assess your abilities.