Characteristics of The Gifted

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Gifted English Language Learners (ESOL Students)

Aguirre & Hernandez
(1999)
 
  • Eagerly shares his/her culture.
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  • Shows strong desire to teach peers words from his/her native language.
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  • Has a strong sense of pride in his/her cultural heritage and ethnic background.
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  • Eagerly translates for peers and adults.
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  • Balances appropriate behaviors expected of the native culture and the new culture.
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  • Possesses advanced knowledge of idioms and native dialects with ability to translate and explain meanings in English.
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  • Understands jokes and puns related to cultural differences.
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  • Reads in native language two grades or more above his/her grade level.
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  • Functions at language proficiency levels above that of non-gifted peers who are LEP.
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  • Able to code switch.
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  • Possesses cross-cultural flexibility.
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  • Has a sense of global community and an awareness of other cultures and languages.
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  • Learns a second or third language at an accelerated pace.
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  • Excels in math achievement.
    • Bernal
    (1974)
     
  • Enjoys intelligent (or effective) risk-taking behavior, often accompanied by a sense of drama.
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  • Exhibits characteristics, which are defined by the student’s native culture as fulfilling the characteristics of gifted children.
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  • Has older playmates and can easily engage adults in lively conversation.
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  • Is able to keep busy and entertained; e.g., imaginative games and ingenious application, such as getting the most out of a few simple toys and objects.
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  • Exhibits leadership ability and emphasizes interpersonal skills.
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  • Is "street-wise" and recognized by others as possessing ability to "make it" in the dominate "White" society.
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  • Rapidly acquires English language skills once exposed to it and given opportunity to use expressively.
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  • Accepts responsibilities at home normally reserved for older children, e.g., supervision of younger siblings, etc.
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    Kent State University
    (1992)
     
    Exceptional Learner (acquisition and retention of knowledge)
  • Learns quickly and easily
  • Advanced understanding
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    Exceptional User (application and comprehension of knowledge)
  • Exceptional use of knowledge
  • Advanced use of symbols
  • Demands a reason
  • Reasons well
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    Exceptional Generator (creator of knowledge)
  • Highly creative
  • Atypical thinking
  • Demands a reason
  • Keen sense of humor
  • Curious
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    Exceptional Motivator (pursuer of knowledge)
  • Perfectionism
  • Initiation
  • Reflective
  • Long attention span
  • Leadership
  • Intensity
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    From Dr. Jaime A. Castellano, Gifted Education Program Specialist. Dept. of ESE. 2002

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