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There are many conflicting beliefs about what it means to be gifted. One
popular table I have seen at several conference presentations includes the
phrase Smart children answer questions. Gifted Children question
answers. It is a cute expression, but it does a disservice to all
involved. As with all children, there are learning styles issues. Some gifted
children prefer to have explicit answers to specific questions. Others prefer
more open-ended inquiry, and will continue to chase down deeper and deeper
levels of the material, neither expecting nor desiring a conclusion. For some
of them, it is a matter of the subject at hand. They pursue deeply their
passions while leaving the less riveting topics at a very superficial level.
To lump these children together in a single pot is unfair, unwise, and
unproductive.
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