خصائص الأفراد الموهوبين

Introduction

• This chapter examines characteristics of high-achieving, gifted, and innovative individuals.
• It explores physical, cognitive, academic, motivational, emotional, and social traits.
• It also considers how teachers perceive academically high-achieving students at various educational levels.
• This information helps guide and advise high-achieving students academically and professionally, considering their traits and needs.
• Meeting the needs of gifted and high-achieving students is crucial for their future success.

Physical Characteristics

• There's a historical belief that high intellect sometimes coexists with physical deficiencies, viewed as compensation for perceived inferiority.
• However, research (e.g., by Newman) demonstrates that gifted children often exhibit higher levels of physical development and overall health compared to average children.
• This doesn't mean every gifted child is taller, heavier, or healthier but their health may be better.
• Conversely, physical limitations don't preclude intellectual giftedness.
• Intellectual giftedness, if paired with above-average biological development, can enhance opportunities for further development.
• Gifted children often demonstrate a deep understanding of causality and value healthy habits.
• Studies (e.g., Terman 1925) revealed better physical development, health, and muscle growth in gifted children compared to average children.
• Other studies (e.g., Terman and Hollingworth 1936) indicated that gifted children tend to have a larger physique, greater strength, and better health, exceeding average levels.
• However, intellectual pursuits can sometimes distract from physical activity, potentially leading to weight gain and reduced fitness, warranting encouragement for physical activities.
• Studies (e.g., Monahan and Hollingworth 1926) found gifted children might be heavier but not in terms of physical prowess, but are quicker and more precise in tasks requiring physical agility.
• Further, gifted children typically have high levels of general physical fitness (Terman).
• At birth, they may be slightly heavier than average.
• They tend to walk and talk earlier than average peers.
• They may sleep more.
• They exhibit fewer nutritional deficiencies, dental problems, or sensory issues.

Cognitive, Academic, and Emotional/Social Characteristics

• Intellectual traits are key markers of giftedness distinguishing them from others (e.g., Abdel Salam and El Sheikh 1966).
• Gifted children show accelerated intellectual development, often scoring above average on intelligence tests (e.g., Stanford-Binet or Wechsler tests; scores of 130 or more are often cited as indicators).
• Gifted individuals excel academically in specific areas (often reading or math).
• They possess advanced language acquisition skills.
• Early language development is above average, sometimes achieving a level equivalent to children much older.
• Early reading proficiency, enthusiasm for reading, and engagement with complex texts are common.
• While gifted children often demonstrate high linguistic abilities and intellectual achievements in many areas, their accomplishments can vary depending on the tasks.
• Their high intellectual abilities are more evident in tasks involving abstract concepts and complex problems, while practical and social skills may not be as outstanding.
• Often characterized by emotional stability, confidence, perseverance, humor, optimism, and empathy.
• Socially well-adjusted and often popular; often display leadership qualities and virtuous character.
• Generally capable of self-reliance and independence, avoiding neurotic behavior.
• Capable of adapting to novel situations.
• Demonstrate good self-control and cooperation, capable of taking responsibility.
• Do not have a tendency towards isolation.

Creativity

• Gifted children exhibit higher creativity and innovative thinking compared to their peers.
• Characterized by an open approach to new experiences.
• Possess an internal locus of control, enabling self-assessment and dealing with novel ideas.
• Able to tolerate ambiguity and risk-taking.
• Demonstrate persistence and determination in completing tasks.
• Often resolve problems using unconventional or innovative approaches.
• They are enthusiastic learners who prefer to discover knowledge in their individual ways that suit their personalities.
• Display originality and variety in their thought processes, ideas, solutions, and expressions.

تتناول هذه الفصل خصائص الأفراد الموهوبين والناجحين، مثل الصفات البدنية والمعرفية والعاطفية. كما تناقش كيف يراهم المعلمون عبر المستويات التعليمية المختلفة. تساعد هذه المعلومات في توجيه الموهوبين أكاديميًا ومهنيًا، مما يُعزز من فرص نجاحهم في المستقبل.