Revisiting the concept of Giftedness and its status in the Post-Modern Era

Abstract

The concept of giftedness has evolved from the traditional views of Lewis Terman, overcoming the elitist tag and has been broadened by the landmark theories of Robert Sternberg (1982) and Howard Gardner(1983). It is now considered as a construct made up of many traits that can be developed. This broadened conception of giftedness not only focuses on many kinds of aptitudes, talents and potentials for advanced learning that exist in all school populations, but also proposes to provide every student with opportunities, resources and the necessary encouragement to achieve his or her maximum potential Hence, the labelling game has been reduced and the field is now emerging as one that embraces quality education for all. But, still the very concept of giftedness, its theory and practice, has yet to influence many educationists outside the field of gifted education.