Misconceptions

May 29, 2023

There is a prevalent misconception that gifted students are the ones who effortlessly excel academically and are easy to teach. However, those who have experience working with gifted students know that this perception is far from accurate. Gifted students, like any other children, display typical child behavior. The key distinction lies in their ability to grasp concepts relatively quickly, often requiring just around three attempts, whereas the average learner may need as many as 37 attempts (the exact number may vary from student to student).

My top 5 Myths about Gifted Students

1) Gifted Students can't have learning disabilities.  There is a common myth that gifted students cannot have learning disabilities, but this is far from the truth. Gifted students can indeed have learning disabilities, and it is important to recognize and address these challenges. While gifted students may generally grasp concepts at a faster pace, it does not mean that they learn everything quickly. I have personally worked with gifted students who had severe dyslexia and required accommodations such as reading aloud. Having a learning disability does not diminish a student's intelligence or giftedness; rather, it signifies that they have specific obstacles to overcome.

Among the disabilities I have commonly encountered in gifted students are ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and anxiety. I include anxiety here because it can significantly impact their ability to focus and even attend school. It is crucial to understand that giftedness and learning disabilities are not mutually exclusive, and providing appropriate support and accommodations can help these students thrive academically and personally.

2) Gifted Students get good grades. The notion that gifted students consistently receive high grades is quite laughable. In fact, it can be surprising to see the number of my students who achieve lower grades on assignments. I have come to realize that as long as I am able to motivate them to a level where they and their parents are satisfied with a particular letter grade, I need to accept that as a valid accomplishment. Gifted students do not need to attain perfect scores in my class, but they should also not be struggling and earning an F.

Just like any other students, gifted learners can experience a loss of motivation towards school, leading to difficulties in completing their work. This is further compounded when they perceive the assigned tasks as uninteresting or irrelevant. If a student has already mastered a particular skill, it is important to provide them with meaningful alternative activities instead of assigning busy work. Engaging them with enriching tasks will prevent a decline in their grades.

3) Gifted Students are great in all their classes. The notion that gifted students excel in all their classes is far from the truth. In fact, if we reflect on our own strengths and weaknesses, it becomes evident that none of us are exceptional in every aspect. Personally, I am capable of effectively working with a group of middle school students during their tumultuous 13-14-year-old phase, but my singing abilities are subpar. It would be inaccurate for me to claim that I am a talented singer. The same applies to our students. Just because they demonstrate talent in one subject, such as English, does not guarantee proficiency in all areas. A student can be gifted in the arts yet struggle with reading comprehension, for instance.

To support both yourself and your gifted learners, it is essential to identify their individual strengths and weaknesses. By doing so, you can provide targeted instruction and help them improve in their areas of weakness while fostering further growth in their areas of strength. Recognizing and addressing their unique educational needs will contribute to their overall development and success.

4) Gifted Students are people/teacher pleasers.  It is important to debunk the misconception that gifted students are inherently people-pleasers. The truth is, their giftedness is independent of their personality traits. Among my experiences with gifted students, I have encountered individuals with a range of dispositions, including those who are kind, mean, bullies, peacemakers, and everything in between. Regardless of their personality type, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary modifications and accommodations, just like any other gifted student.

5) Gifted Students know everything. It is important to recognize that if your student knew everything, they would not be in your classroom. However, there may be instances where a student possesses more knowledge on a particular topic than you do. Gifted students often exhibit a hyper focus on subjects that interest them deeply, similar to a 4-year-old who knows everything about dinosaurs but may struggle with identifying the colors of the rainbow.

It is important not to feel intimidated or perceive a student as inherently superior or more intelligent than you due to their expertise in a particular area. When a student demonstrates mastery in a specific topic, as indicated by pre-test results, it becomes appropriate to offer them opportunities for deeper exploration and complexity, using methods like Kaplan's icons. However, if a student has not yet shown mastery in a particular subject, it is advisable for them to engage in the same lesson as their peers. By differentiating instruction based on individual levels of mastery, we ensure that all students receive appropriate and tailored learning experiences.