Wilson, Kirsty and Briggs, Mary (Mary J.). (2002) Able and gifted: judging by appearances? Mathematics Teaching, Vol.18 . ISSN 0025-5785

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Abstract

In this article I reflect upon an aspect of my research involving Year 6 pupils identified by their teachers as ‘able’ or ‘gifted’ in mathematics, using ‘able’ to refer to high achievers and ‘gifted’ to exceptionally high achievers. I discuss the differences I observed between the able and gifted when solving mathematical tasks, and consider what these differences may mean for professionals involved in identifying gifted pupils. I speculate that teachers’ judgements are highly influenced by those aspects of achievement that are readily visible, such as answering questions quickly, and discuss the potential problems associated with judging by appearances.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Institute of Education
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- England, Gifted children -- Education -- England
Journal or Publication Title:	Mathematics Teaching
Publisher:	Association of Teachers of Mathematics
ISSN:	0025-5785
Date:	September 2002
Volume:	Vol.18
Status:	Not Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
References:	[1] Krutetskii, V. A. (1976) The Psychology of Mathematical Abilities in Schoolchildren, (Trans., J. Teller; Eds., J. Kilpatrick & I. Wirzup) Chicago, University of Chicago. [2] Szabos, J. (1989) ‘Bright Learners and Gifted Learners’, Challenge, Issue 34. [3] Span, P. & Overtoom-Corsmit, R. (1986) ‘Information Processing by Intellectually Gifted Pupils Solving Mathematical Problems’, Educational Studies in Mathematics, Vol. 17, pp. 273-295. [4] Freeman, J. (1998) Educating the Very Able: Current International Research, London, The Stationery Office. [5] Span, P. & Overtoom-Corsmit, R. (1986) ‘Information Processing by Intellectually Gifted Pupils Solving Mathematical Problems’, Educational Studies in Mathematics, Vol. 17, pp. 273-295. Niederer, K. & Irwin, K. C. (2001) ‘Using Problem Solving to Identify Mathematically Gifted Students’, in M. van den Heuvel-Panhuizen (Ed.) Proceedings of the 25th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Utrecht, The Netherlands, Vol. 3, pp. 431-438.
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/434

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