CHARACTERISTICS AND CONCOMMITANT PROBLEMS
By Mary V. Seagoe
 
The following can be used as a means of documenting characteristics of gifted students in the classroom.
 
 
Characteristics
Concomitant Problems 
Keen power of observation, naïve receptivity; sense of significant, willingness to examine the unusual. Possible gullibility 
 Power of abstraction, conceptualization, synthesis; interest in inductive learning and problem solving; pleasure in intellectual activity.  Occasional resistance to direction, rejection of remission of detail. 
Interest in cause-effect relations; ability to see relationships; interest in applying concepts; love of truth  Difficulty in accepting the illogical. 
Liking for structure and order; liking for consistency, as in value systems, number systems, clocks, calendars. Invention of own systems, sometimes conflicting.
Retentiveness Dislike for routine and drill; need for early mastery of foundation skills.
Verbal proficiency; large vocabulary’ facility in expression; interest in reading, breadth of information in advanced areas. Need for specialized reading vocabulary early; parent resistance to reading; escape into verbalism.
Questioning attitude intellectual curiosity, inquisitive mind; intrinsic motivation Lack of early home or school stimulation.
Power of critical thinking; skepticism, evaluative testing; self-criticism and self-checking Critical attitude toward others; discouragement from self-criticism
Creativeness and inventiveness; liking for new ways of doing things; interest in creating, brainstorming, freewheeling Rejection of the known; need to invent for oneself
Power of concentration; intense attention that excludes all else; long attention span Resistance to interruption
Persistent, goal-directed behavior Stubborness
Sensitiveness, intuitiveness, empathy for others’ need for emotional support and a sympathetic attitude Need for success and recognition; sensitivity to criticism; vulnerability to peer group rejection
High energy, alertness, eagerness; periods of intense voluntary effort preceding invention Frustration with inactivity and absence of progress
 
Independence in work and study; preference for individualized work; self-reliance; need for freedom of movement and action.
Parent a peer group pressures and non-conformity, problems of rejection and rebellion.
Versatility and virtuosity; diversity of interests and abilities; many hobbies; proficiency in art forms such as music and drawing proficiency Lack of homogeneity in group work; need for flexibility and individualization; need for help in exploring and developing interests; need to build basic competencies in major interests.
Friendly and outgoing Need for a variety of peer group relations

 

35-36
 

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