What are the origins of giftedness?

Giftedness is the result of both genetics¹ and socialization.²

Physically, gifted brains are bigger and more measurably active. MRI scans show that the gifted brain has longer and more dendrites… and a greater inter-connectivity between different areas of the brain. This heightened activity can lead to insightful and intuitive thinking, focused learning and greater integration and retention of thought. 

LYNN BERESFORD³

While gifted children are born with superior intellectual capabilities, their talent development and growth is connected to social enrichment, just like all other students.

There are some youngsters who are born with the capability to learn faster than others those ideas or concepts that modern societies value in children and adults. Such youngsters and their abilities are subject to many social influences and must interact with their environmental context.

JAMES J. GALLAGHER⁴

References

1. Singer, E. (24 March 2009). Brain images reveal the secret to higher IQ. MIT Technology Review. Retrieved from https://www.technologyreview.com/s/412678/brain-images-reveal-the-secret-to-higher-iq/

2. Jacobsen, M. (1999). The gifted adult: a revolution guide for liberating everyday genius. [Kindle version]. Toronto: Random House, Inc.

3. TEDx Talks. (2017, December 12). The Gifted Adult | Lynn Berresford | TEDxTauranga [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSdrcXTLDlk

4. Gallagher, J. (2000). Unthinkable thoughts: education of gifted students. Gifted Child Quarterly. 44(1), pp. 5-12