Creative Learners

Bright or gifted? High achieving or gifted? Are these really the same qualities? If not, how can you tell the difference? Does it even matter? Yes, indeed it does make a difference. I thought I understood those differences quite well, but then I heard Bertie Kingore speak recently about these differences. Well, maybe not exactly about those differences. She added a new dimension.

Previously, parents who wondered whether their child is gifted or just bright were directed to a wonderful chart that compared the characteristics and behaviors of bright children with those of gifted children. That chart, compiled by Janice Szabos, is one of the most helpful charts I've ever seen. It does, of course, simplify the differences, but for parents who wondered whether they had a gifted child on their hands, it helped them gain some perspective.

It was generally believed that bright children were quite often the high achievers in school, and although gifted children can also be high achievers, they can just as easily be underachievers. Then along comes Bertie Kingore, who categorizes things a little differently. Dr. Kingore has three categories: high achievers, gifted learners, and creative learners. Children don't necessarily fit in just one category. They can fit in all three categories or in only two, or even in just one. Here's are a couple of examples of the differences among these three categories:

High achiever = Performs at the top of the group
Gifted Learner = Is beyond the group
Creative Learner = Is in own group

High achiever = Needs 6 to 8 repetitions to master
Gifted Learner = Needs 1 to 3 repetitions to master
Creative Learner = Questions the need for mastery

If you're wondering about your child, take a look at Dr. Kingore's complete list. And be sure to read Dr. Kingore's article where she discusses these differences.