Two Sides of the Same Student: Positive and Negative Characteristics of Giftedness

Gifted students possess some common characteristics.  Some characteristics make teaching and interacting with the student rewarding and pleasurable.  Others may cause both parents, peers and educators frustration.  The two sides of each coin are identified below:

The Gifted Student 
...asks many questions, is very curious, possesses a large amount of information & has a good memory
BUT
...easily gets 'off task' and 'off topic'
...is impatient when not called on in class

The Gifted Student
...learns new information quickly, retains information easily and finishes classwork quickly
BUT
...is easily bored
...can become disruptive in the classroom
...shows resistance to repetitive activities and memorization
...completes work quickly and sloppily

The Gifted Student
...is interested in many things, becomes involved in many activities, enjoys a challenge
BUT
...may resist working on activities apart from areas of interest
...leaves projects unfinished
...takes on too much and becomes overwhelmed

The Gifted Student
...thinks independently, expresses unique and original opinions, and is self-motivated
BUT
...challenges authority
...does not handle criticism well
...does not work well in groups

The Gifted Student
...uses higher level thinking skills, makes connections that other students don't see, is a good problem solver
BUT
...tends to be absent minded regarding practical details
...forgets homework assignments

The Gifted Student
...has a strong sense of justice and likes to debate current issues and real life problems
BUT
...can be very critical of self and others
...is a perfectionist and expects others to be perfect as well

The Gifted Student
...has a sophisticated sense of humor, enjoys plays of words and satire
BUT 
...easily gets carried away with a joke
...has a tendency to become the 'class clown'

The Gifted Student
...demonstrates strong expressive skills, is sensitive to the feelings of others, & shows skill in drama, art, music and language
BUT
...sometimes comes across as a 'know it all' by peers
...sometimes is perceived to be bossy by peers

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