ED PSYCH 3602 - Carlie M, Angie M, Sam D, Emily S

Exceptionality
Giftedness

Definition & Code

Demonstrated or potential abilities show exceptionally high capability in specific
disciplines, intellect, or creativity.
CODE: 80

Characteristics

Observable Behaviours

Above-average cognitive abilities (advanced

intellectual achievement, high motivation and
interest, verbal proficiency, problem solving
abilities, logical thinking)
High level of creativity, in-depth comprehension
Heightened emotions and sensitivities
Strength in several but not all subject areas
Perfectionism

Lack of synchronization between social, emotional,

and intellectual needs.
Underachievement (influenced by family dynamics,
poverty, school environment, peer pressure, lack
of motivation, embarrassment, lack of confidence)
Difficulties with attention
Perfectionism

Teaching Strategies

Use open-ended projects that produce authentic products that are shared with the real audiences in
meaningful ways. Provide opportunities for projects that can represent the complexity of the students
understanding (rather than a mere test or essay).
Make content more abstract or narrowly focused/specific.
Make content complex and/or interrelated (consider comparing/contrasting/combining with other info).
Use flexible pacing, allowing students to complete some outcomes more quickly than their peers.
Eliminate unnecessary activities for outcomes that have already been met. Devote time to looking
deeply at specific outcomes that are meaningful to the student.
Set goals with students and encourage them to monitor their own progress. Give student the
opportunity to self-assess (developing criteria, journaling). Give recognition of accomplishments and
successes.
Encourage students to participate in extracurriculars, hobbies and physical activities to reduce stress,
learn additional life skills, and meet people who share those interests.
Create opportunities for gifted students to spend time with other students who are at the same
developmental level and same-age peers.
Avoid having students who are gifted tutor struggling students.

Links/Resources/Sources

Hutchinson, N. (2014). Chapter 3: Exceptional Students: Learning and Behaviour Exceptionalities. (pp.
67-101). Inclusion of Exceptional Learners in Canadian Schools.

ED PSYCH 3602 - Carlie M, Angie M, Sam D, Emily S

http://education.alberta.ca/admin/supportingstudent/schoolleaders/stats/bycode.aspx
http://education.alberta.ca/media/448795/journey2.pdf
https://education.alberta.ca/media/513478/workshop-9-gifted.pdf
https://education.alberta.ca/media/1234009/13_ch10%20gifted.pdf
https://education.alberta.ca/media/631915/giftedtalented.pdf
http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10075.aspx
http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/browse_by_topic_resources.aspx
http://www.jstor.org/stable/1493044