The Schmerenbeck Multi-Racial Educational Centre (South Africa) implemented "Integrated Arts Workshops" to develop the creative thinking of gifted/talented children. Professional artists and teachers are brought together with groups of children, and ideas are explored through sensory stimulation, creative problem-solving, and reflection.…

Evaluates the criterion validity of a curriculum-based assessment (CBA) to identify gifted children in rural areas. Compares CBA and standardized test scores for 286 kindergarten and first grade children. Concludes that the instruments' predictive validity is equivalent, but the CBA has practical advantages for rural school districts. 25…

Considers the role of microcomputers in the education of rural gifted students. In this context, discusses computer methods for accessing content not otherwise available, methods for accessing people, computer-assisted instruction, computer-managed instruction, programing, and software evaluation. 22 references. (SV)

Four tenets should guide curricular decisions for young gifted children, aged three-six: (1) young gifted children have special learning needs; (2) curriculum should be drawn from their special interests and needs; (3) curriculum should emphasize exploration and play; and (4) children should be engaged in the curricular decision-making process.…

The study found that teachers of seventh grade mathematics classes interacted less frequently and for less time with the best students. At the grade 10 level teachers also spent less time interacting with high achievers but called on them more frequently in some situations. Sex differences were not observed. (Author/DB)

Finds that, compared to national norms, students who are academically successful are significantly lower on communication apprehension in dyadic contexts and group contexts, and significantly higher on self-perceived communication competence with strangers. Suggests that key communication variables affecting academic success might be: apprehension…

This article argues that the field of gifted and talented education is entering a period of intense change in ability identification, programs, teachers, classrom practices, funding, and terminology. Three questions are posed: "What changes within the field herald a reconceptualization?"; "How does the current transformation differ from previous…

This article investigates journal writings of 26 gifted male adolescents in Singapore, focusing on letters to themselves about plans for positive lifestyles. Students' writings dealt with such issues as appearance, personality, organizational skills, interests, fulfillment of talent, family, and contribution to society. (Author/JDD)

This article describes one gifted child's social and emotional adjustment over time, as an interaction among many factors including his own personality, his family, and his school situation. The article demonstrates the child's difficulties in elementary school adjustment and describes the changes that occurred which enhanced his self-esteem and…

Correlation of 82 academically gifted adolescents' personality scores with scores for identity exploration revealed that youth who were actively exploring (according to Erik Erikson's ego identity theory) exhibited the following psychological portrait: inner confusion, agitation, dissatisfaction, unhappiness, periodic spells of depression,…

Suggestions are offered for parents who wish to support their gifted children's writing. Parents should write themselves and share their writing with their children. Parents should encourage children to write abundantly to promote children's interest and confidence. Parents should not correct or comment on their children's writing unless asked for…

This article offers guidelines for the identification of giftedness among students learning English as a Second Language. It recommends the use of portfolio or case study procedures to identify student potential and offers guidelines for connecting practices in teaching English as a Second Language with strategies for teaching gifted students. (DB)

Reports on a study of the possession and use of toys among 151 gifted and 135 average German elementary students. Finds that only the use of toys typical for boys displayed a mildly significant effect for giftedness. Also finds both groups exhibited gender-specific toy possession and toy use to an equal degree. (CFR)

The effects of a pull-out enrichment program (Purdue Three-Stage Model) on 10 families of participating students were explored in this retrospective study. Subjects were high school seniors (and their families) who had participated in the program during elementary school. In most cases, the program had a positive influence on both family…

This study evaluated possible relationships between academic aptitude and psychosocial adjustment in students (total n=475) in 3 gifted programs (grade 2, grades 5 to 11, and early college entrance). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses provided little evidence for a relation between aptitude scores and adjustment within these groups.…