Χαρισματικότητα και Ξένες Γλώσσες

Abstract

Gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude or competence in one or more domains (NAGC, 2010). This aptitude can be evident in young children as exceptional performance on tests of ability or as a rapid rate of learning, compared to other students of the same age, or in actual achievement in a domain. The purpose of this study is to review literature on special abilities of gifted children in foreign language learning and point out differences between gifted and normal students in language acquisition. Results show that gifted children have a deep intrinsic motivation to master the domain in which they have high ability. In comparison with mainstream peers, they have better performance in working memory, mental-attentional capacity, inhibition, speed of information processing and they make strong internal attributions. Besides, gifted children seem to have high levels of commitment and motivation in learning, enjoy challenges and show positive attitudes at second language acquisition. Teaching style and family environment play an important role at language learning for gifted children. Principles of teaching for gifted children are proposed and value of differential teaching is pointed out.