Understanding the gifted child who has heightened sensitivities, ethical and moral interests.

Educationally appropriate challenges and programming can help gifted learners to develop positive social and emotional well-being. If these learners are catered for within an environment that meets their academic, social and emotional needs, many of their issues can be minimised.

A recent research study completed in New Zealand (Needham 2012) highlights teachers’ lack of understanding of the social and emotional needs of gifted learners, finding:

• many teachers are uncertain about the social and emotional characteristics and needs of gifted learners
• while teachers have a positive attitude towards gifted learners, they lack personal knowledge about gifted education
• teachers are frustrated about their limited personal knowledge and skills in this area, lack of professional development, lack of time to spend with gifted learners, and school-directed priorities for meeting the needs of other children.