The criteria for giftedness are numerous, and they differ from place to place, or from test to test. Gifted people usually have clusters of the following traits: rapid grasp of concepts, awareness of patterns, curiosity, concentration, energy, exceptional memory, empathy, vulnerability, heightened perceptions, and divergent thinking.All the traits listed above can be helpful and also a burden on an individuals learning style. Gifted learners are "children and youth with outstanding talent who perform or show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment." (U.S. Dept. of Education, 1993, p.3).
The United States Department of Education describes "giftedness" as exceptionally advanced performance or the potential for outstanding performance in intellectual, creative leadership, artistic, or specific academic fields. Children who demonstrate outstanding talents come from all social groups, cultural, and economic groups.
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