Μύθοι και αλήθειες γύρω από τη χαρισματικότητα

Abstract

The term of “giftedness” is simultaneously under doubt and discussion, permitting various meanings and theories to come in light. Some of them, though lacking in scientific and research background, become widely accepted. The aim of the present theoretical study is to show up the scientific truth about giftedness through the examination of established “myths”, in order to determine the suitable conditions fulfilling gifted persons’ needs. The study is structured as following: criteria for determination of giftedness, related terms, gifted persons’ characteristics, educational, social and emotional needs. The study found the lack of convergence in the definition of giftedness which is related to the intelligence quote but it is also considered as resultant of various forms of intelligence. Moreover, there is a discrepancy between the findings on academic and socio-emotional benefits, which gifted students gain in each different educational context. With regards to meeting gifted students' special needs, the necessity and the effectiveness of learning environment and teachers' adequate training were highlighted. In conclusion, it is up to the State to identify and fulfill gifted students' needs and also correspond training for the educators. The search for synchronous findings, based on the methodological standards for identifying gifted individuals, is left to the scientists-researchers.