The Imperative of Nurturing Giftedness in Education

Understanding Giftedness

Giftedness in children is a remarkable blend of early cognitive ability, unique talents, and potential for exceptional achievements.

There is a large amount of data on giftedness and talent, gathered over the last few decades, that suggests ‘early cognitive ability’ has more effect on achievement than effort, environmental factors or luck. Up until the 1960s, researchers mostly relied on standardised measures, such as the IQ test to spot individuals with extraordinary abilities. However, it was found years later that these general intelligence tests had failed to identify many notable stalwarts and Nobel laureates like William Shockley.

The new idea was that gifted children may not excel in the IQ test, but can demonstrate high proficiency in a singular area of study. Upon this realization, researchers began studying the performance of students in scholastic assessment tests in math and language. Initially, they conducted the tests using question papers created for older students. The results of these tests were eye-opening. Students often successfully solved problems that they hadn’t encountered before and sometimes outperformed their older counterparts. It was also found that early testing of students (by the age of 13) helps to identify students with outstanding potential.

The Global Perspective on Gifted Education

Today, in most first-world countries, large-scale system-wide testing is carried out among children studying in grades 5-8 (ages 10-13). Educational advocates believe that early detection is crucial for the intellectual development of gifted individuals. In the US, systematic identification of gifted children started with the John Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth (CTY) in 1979. The following year, Duke University began its Talent Identification Program (TiP). These two are not only the largest but also the longest running giftedness programmes in the world. Several students, who were part of the TiP, have now achieved excellence in their respective fields of work. Their remarkable career trajectory clearly confirms the case for detecting giftedness early and then investing in it.

Why Investing in Giftedness Matters

Nurturing giftedness is crucial as it goes beyond the individual, impacting society at large. Gifted individuals often bring unique perspectives and capabilities, leading to significant contributions in various fields. However, their potential can remain unfulfilled without proper support. Recognizing and fostering these talents is not just a matter of individual achievement; it's about facilitating groundbreaking innovations and advancements that can shape the future. Moreover, supporting gifted children in their social and emotional development is equally important, as they often face unique challenges. Thus, investing in the nurturing of giftedness is essential for both personal development and societal progress.

The Indian Context

In the Indian context, nurturing giftedness faces unique challenges and opportunities. Despite having a significant youth population, India lacks a systematic and widespread program for identifying and nurturing gifted children. While institutions like IITs and AIIMS show the potential of well-supported talented students, the reach is limited. Many gifted children, especially in rural or underprivileged areas, remain unrecognized due to lack of resources and awareness. Additionally, existing talent search exams often do not meet the quality required to accurately identify and support gifted students. This scenario presents a substantial opportunity for India to develop more inclusive and effective programs for gifted education, which could lead to tremendous advancements in various sectors, leveraging the untapped potential of these young minds.

Author: Sridhar Rajagopalan

Co-Founder of the Educational Initiatives Group.

Educational Initiatives is a Founder Member of Gifted World.