Redefining intelligence

Giftedness is not a matter of degree but a different quality of experiencing. Vivid, absorbing, penetrating, encompassing, complex and commanding — a way of being quiveringly alive," said Michael Piechowski, author of Mellow Out They Say. If I Only Could. Intensities and Sensitivities of the Young and Bright.

For a long time the meaning of giftedness has been restricted to the rigid confines of achievement and accomplishment. Academic toppers are, and should be entitled to their share of glory, but in the process of lauding top scorers and scholarship winners we may be crowding out those who actually have advanced and complex patterns of development but just don't fit the system's definition of 'top students'.

"In a school environment where we have so many different kinds of learners who require a teacher's attention, the gifted often get overlooked," said Humaira Ebrahim, discipline coordinator senior school, Dubai Gem Private School. However, slowly with the help of the research community, giftedness is being understood more as an inner experience or process rather than just exceptionally high test scores or breathtaking art. Although both can be characteristics of a gifted individual, neither manifestation alone is enough to classify an individual 'gifted'.

Spotting gifted individuals

IQ scores, intelligence levels and creativity are the most common ways to define genius, but highly gifted people have a number of personality traits that set them apart.

"One way to identify gifted individuals is their style of thinking. They usually employ divergent thinking. Their style is original and they tend to come up with crazy ideas, which other people find strange. But sometimes it is these crazy ideas that go on to become the most recognised ones of our time," said Aisha Saeed, educational psychologist, at the Synergy Medical Centre.

Typical associations to define giftedness, however, also hold true.

"Naturally there are the obvious signs," said Ebrahim. "High test scores, higher than average intelligence and a fantastic vocabulary are some of the characteristics typically associated with giftedness.

But there are also the not-so-obvious signs like fidgeting and being edgy in class. Gifted students are quicker at grasping things so their focus shifts quickly and as a consequence it seems to the unrecongnising eye that they have a limited attention span," she said.

Gifted individuals face many challenges, with one of biggest being the inability to be correctly identified by the individuals who should be helping them realise their true potential.

According to research by Lynne Azpeitia and Mary Rocamora, authors of Misdiagnosis of the Gifted, most people don't recognise that what is considered normal for gifted individuals is most often misunderstood by the general population. As a result, the gifted are personally and emotionally vulnerable to a variety of unique relationship difficulties at school, home and in the community.

"We have very rigidly-defined educational systems where gifted students who are not identified early are deprived the environment in which to develop freely." Aisha Saeed.

Double edged sword

Giftedness can sometimes manifest in ways that portray the individual in a negative light.

"They may be really quick workers and be done with an assignment much before the rest of the class. Thereafter boredom ensues, resulting in behavioural issues," said Poonam Mahendra, examination coordinator and senior Chemistry teacher at Dubai Gem Private School.

However, the student's boredom is not necessarily representative of behavioural issues, but is misunderstood to be so.

"Sometimes students have disciplinary problems. However, they usually don't mean to be disrespectful or disobedient. When a student is acting out like this it clear that it is something that needs be looked into," said Ebrahim.

Exploring possible reasons behind disrespectful behaviour from these students, Mahendra said, "Often what happens is that the child gets frustrated when even the teacher might not understand what he's talking about. Equally, other children might be jealous of his advanced capabilities and isolate him resulting in aloofness on the part of the gifted child.

"On the other hand it could also be that because a gifted student doesn't get the attention he needs when talking about his ideas, he draws attention to himself by doing crazy things and showing off."

Complacency issues

"In many instances at school I was ahead of my peers. A lot of the time I didn't try as hard as I could because I knew I would do really well even if I didn't." said Zainab Hardwarewala, graphic design student at the American University in Dubai and a Mensa member.

Self-esteem issues

Contrary to popular belief that gifted individuals are arrogant, snooty or elitist characters, research has shown that in fact, the opposite is probably true. Forced by their innate desire for perfection they set inconceivably high standards for themselves.

In some cases self perceptions are exacerbated by society. According research conducted by Phillip M. Powell and Tony Haden, authors of The Intellectual and Psychosocial Nature of Extreme Giftedness, a young female student had spent 18 years believing she was not intelligent because she asked more questions than the others in class. The student had never been told that she had a measured IQ of 165. This resulted in a low level of academic self-esteem and the ridiculous self-conception of being stupid.

Few opportunities

As with any other student, it would be a shame if parents, teachers and peers did not recognise the strengths of gifted students and allow them to reach their true potential. But what must educators and parents do in order to make sure this does not happen?

"Talk to them one on one and talk to parents. Their abilities should be honed, encouraged and opportunities for their growth should be created. For example, if they are gifted mathematically, then we should encourage them to get tested externally at other than school levels. We should tell them to go online, look for certain avenues like Mensa where they could get the proper recognition they deserve," said Ebrahim.

However, there are few opportunities for further development that actually exist in the UAE.

"We need more information in the UAE on how to guide these children. Information and guidelines are not easily available to educators," said Ebrahim.

Students harboured similar feelings on the subject, saying that the system should be more sensitised to students who may not score high on test but are otherwise gifted.

"Unfortunately my school did not offer double promotions to exceptionally bright students. I would have definitely preferred that and qualified for it if I had the option. It challenges students to be better and helps the advanced fulfil their true potential," said Zainab.

Looking ahead

However until more help is readily available, what are the gifted to do?

The first step says Zainab is to get tested. The second is realising that the world is your oyster. "Get over any ideas you have about not being good enough. Don't be afraid to speak up and express yourself," said Saeed.

Sadly, not enough is known about giftedness. More time and energy need to be spent identifying traits among the gifted, especially since it is these students who go on to contribute much to improving the state of our world.

Acknowledge the possibilities, identify your capabilities and allow yourself to be different. You never know, you may be the next Einstein.

Characteristics of gifted individuals
If 75 per cent of the following characteristics fit you, you are probably a gifted adult.

Are you a good problem solver?
Can you concentrate for long periods of time?
Are you a perfectionist?
Do you persevere with your interests?
Are you an avid reader?
Do you have a vivid imagination?
Do you enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles?
Often connect seemingly unrelated ideas?
Do you enjoy paradoxes?
Do you set high standards for yourself?
Do you have a good long-term memory?
Are you deeply compassionate?
Do you have persistent curiosity?
Do you have a good sense of humor?
Are you a keen observer?
Do you love mathematics?
Do you need periods of contemplation?
Do you search for meaning in your life?
Are you aware of things that others are not?
Are you fascinated by words?
Are you highly sensitive?
Do you have strong moral convictions?
Do you often feel out-of-sync with others?
Are you perceptive or insightful?
Do you often question rules or authority?
Do you have organised collections?
Do you thrive on challenge?
Do you have extraordinary abilities and deficits?
Do you learn new things rapidly?
Feel overwhelmed by many interests/abilities?
Do you have a great deal of energy?
Often take a stand against injustice?
Do you feel driven by your creativity?
Love ideas and ardent discussion?
Did you have developmentally advanced childhood?
Have unusual ideas or perceptions?
Are you a complex person?

— Adapted from the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development / Gifted Development Centre

Have your say

Do you believe that the education system needs to be re-evaluated to recognise student achievements other than high test scores? Write to us and tell us your opinions on education@gulfnews.com

Have you ever taken an IQ test?

"No I haven't because I've never come across one."
— Munawar Amafh, engineering, Bits-Pilani

"Yes, I've taken one on the Internet but I've never taken one in college."
— Azim Tufaeezan Hussain, bachelors in business administration, Mahatma Gandhi University

"No, I've never had access to a IQ test."
— Bilal Zebian, civil engineering, American University of Sharjah

"I don't remember, but I think they're really useful. If one has hidden talents, they can bring them out."
— Shanna Thomas, bachelors in business administration, MGU

"Yes and the results somewhat encouraged me to work harder."
— Sara Azim, accounting and finance, Middlesex University

"Yes, I did one once on the Internet somewhere."
— Ali Shakeri, electrical engineering, American University in Dubai

Do you think exam results are a good reflection of one's intelligence?

"No, because they are based on your knowledge, not your intelligence."
— Sara Meslmani, business administration, American University in Dubai

"Not really, because if luck is on your side that day you will do well. Maybe intelligence plays a small part in it."
— Suhail Al Mulla, media studies, Middlesex University

"No, it depends on the hard work you put into it. Even if you're really intelligent but haven't done any work, you're going to fail."
— Gareth Warren, media and mass communication, Middlesex University

"It all depends on the individual. Someone could be of average intelligence but if they've prepared they could do really well. Intelligence is better measured by aptitude tests."
— Shamona Khan, bachelors in business administration, Middlesex University

"No, because people with good test results might be nerds and have mugged up the book and gotten good marks. If you ask them about other things they may not be able to answer.
— Radha Umashankar, bachelors in business administration, MGU

"It depends, a top scorer can just be a good worker. People are intelligent in different ways."
— Mohammad Al Musawi, international tourism and marketing, Middlesex University