Hidden+gifted+students

=Hidden gifted=

//Hidden gifted// is a term used for students who are unlikely to be identified as gifted. This may be for a number of reasons, some of which are suggested below.


 * The student may **misbehave or rebel** in class, because they are bored with school-work they find too simple. They may question activities and tasks the teacher provides, as they find no value in these. This misbehaviour can prevent a teacher from observing the students qualities of giftedness. This can be remedied by providing appropriate work that engages and challenges all students.
 * Some students become **disengaged** with school early on due to being provided with unsuitable and unchallenging work. These students may pay little or no attention in class, and therefore gain average or below-average grades in tests, while capable of potentially doing significantly better. A teacher can turn this around through personal attention to the student and their learning needs.
 * The student may be **coasting** through on their natural ability, and achieving only average grades. It is important to show these students what they can achieve with effort, and to provide //different// work rather than //more// work.
 * For students from some **minority groups,** particularly those with English as an additional language, some standard methods of identification may be unsuitable. Non-verbal tests, careful observations and nominations from parents or peers may be more suitable for these groups
 * The student may **hide their giftedness** due to experiencing peer pressure from other students. This may be particularly true in mathematics, which is a highly academic subject. This effects of this can be lessened by providing differentiation in an unobtrusive manner, and by cultivating a learning environment which celebrates success.
 * The student may be **twice exceptional**. This term refers to a person who is both gifted and possesses a disability. Self- and peer- nominations have been shown to be particularly useful for these students.
 * The student may possess a **learning difficulty** in one area, that masks their special abilities in another area. For example poor literacy may prevent mathematical talent from being observed. These students may respond well to a supportive learning environment.

(Moltzen, Riley, & McAlpine, 2000)