Precocious children with indicators of high ability/giftedness: The characteristics that oppose the image of “ideal” student

Abstract

Precocious students differ from their age peers because early developed abilities, which may indicate the existence of giftedness. However, it is necessary to await the end of childhood to check if the presented difference is the result of a higher cognitive configuration or prematurity in the development. Meanwhile, actions must be developed in favor of the full development of potentials, which requires that these children are recognized, but such recognition may be harmed by myths and stereotypes. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether precocious students have other features in addition to the ones related in literature in order to contribute to the expansion of knowledge of the teachers about this student body, as well as the demystification about these individuals. The results show that they are subject to problems and difficulties that may seem incompatible with their potential and that require attention to matters beyond their abilities. It is evident that the associations between early or gifted children and exemplary students are mistaken.

Keywords: precocity, high ability/giftedness, stereotypes.