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Chapter Eight
Gifted and Talented
• There are two definitions about giftedness:
1. Giftedness is the exceptional academic ability or potential relative to one’s peer group.
2. Giftedness is the preparedness to invest time, energy and resources (intellectual,
physical, emotional and social) into an area of learning.
• These two definitions treated giftedness as either caught (mystery) or taught (mastery).
• The ‘mystery’ framework is the socially dominant framework, which is based on the belief
that we can’t do much about the child’s native intelligence. The testing and placing
becomes important so that the child’s needs are appropriately met.
• The ‘mastery’ framework assumes that giftedness does not exist as a mysterious fixed
capacity within the head. Giftedness emerges from a sustained enquiry into an area of
personal interest. It also reflects the amount and quality of the effort, commitment, creative
and strategic thinking invested, and the opportunities offered.
Mystery framework Mastery framework
Collecting data (focus on
measurement and judgment).
Supporting learning (focus on
teaching).
Curriculum acceleration (pace). Curriculum enrichment / extension
(Breath and depth).
Focus of identification of gifted
students.
Focus on provision of education
opportunities.
Emphasis on ability and intelligence. Emphasis on effort and interest.
Summative assessment (showing and
comparing).
Formative assessment (guiding
learning).
Accountability through systems and
procedures (summative record
keeping).
Accountability through evidence of
pupils’ commitment, interest and
intrinsic motivation (developmental
portfolios).
Short term performance. Long term learning.
• This book aims to put accountability over performance indicators. The key question is
whether there are evidences that the students are being appropriately stretched,
challenged and extended in their learning?
• The author tries to convince the reader that it is through sustained activity and deep
reflection over the experiences that leads to learning. One of the key drivers is the intrinsic
motivation.