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Sherrlene Uy

Teacher - English and Research, Glendale School, Inc. (QC, Phil)

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What are the challenges that gifted and creative individuals face at present?

Hi everyone! I am working on a research about the gifted and creative individuals. I'd like to know what are the challenges that the gifted and creative people experience in your country. Share your thoughts please :) Thanks!

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    Atul Jadhav

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    Feb 17 2013: 1. Acceptance of individual differences by family, friends, community, country and the world. People differ on many traits.No two persons are exactly alike. Normally, the less gifted ones don't accept the higher gifted-ness quotient of the more gifted ones. They tend to disparage or downplay the unique ability of such naturally gifted individuals.
    2. Defiance to Societal norms creates new set of problems.
    3. Conformity
    4. Lack of adequate Exposure and recognition to such individuals
    5. Self-pacing while learning course materials is not necessarily an available option.
    6. Social isolation. Loneliness.
    7. Boredom due to monotonous nature of work.
    8. Labels that not so creative individuals assign to them.
    9. Lack of career counselling facilities.
    10. Lack of Mentors.
    11. Lack of Motivation.
    12. Substance abuse

    • ZX Style 10+

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      Feb 17 2013: 13. addiction to the new media (pc, tablet, phone, social media)

      Its a big time sucker and kills creativity.
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      Sherrlene Uy

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      Feb 18 2013: So would you guys agree that while most people think that technology help creative enhancement, it can also kill the talent? How is that so? Thanks to you both :)
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        Gail . 50+

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        Feb 18 2013: I would GUESS that is kills talent because it works as a sedative - just like any other mind-numbing drug. Humans are a social animal. The gifted live in part in another world. Technology can in some small way, bridge the divide. But I'm not so sure that the gifted that I speak of get caught up in the addiction to hormonal responses that technology invokes.

        How can one study this if those who study don't know what a truly gifted child's world looks like because they equate "gifted" with too much emphasis on "learning style"?

        • ZX Style 10+

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          Feb 18 2013: perhaps because learning style can improve someones talents and creativity?
          Studies can give you a framework to think from.

          i don't exactly the first part of you comment?

      • ZX Style 10+

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        Feb 18 2013: Yes social media can kill talent.
        Once you are addict you spend no more time on your talents and study.
        The consequense is that you creativity slowly disappears.

    • Gerri K

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      Feb 24 2013: You've listed them so clearly. I would add DEPRESSION. I have a nearly 13 yr old gifted daughter and this becomes the consequence of all that Atul outlined above. My daughter struggles with trying to control her anger at the "stupidity" of everyone else around her because it takes so long for them to "get it" when it takes her only a few seconds. She is clustered with other TAG students, which helps, but doesn't alleviate the mind-numbing boredom she feels when classes are paced for the common student. I'd like to place her in another school, but between cost and the fact that it would affect her friendships I haven't.
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        Gail . 50+

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        Feb 25 2013: I feel for your daughter. There MIGHT be an option. I had a friend whose daughter had the same complains as yours (and as I did - though I didn't rail at the stupidity of others. I railed at the boredom and disrespect shown me by teachers in oh-so-many subtle ways.)

        When my friend's daughter was ready to quit (in her junior year), her parents were alarmed. Luckily, the father was well placed as the director of a museum, so he walked in circles that my parents didn't walk in. He heard about how Exeter Academy (New Hampshire) might be the solution for her.

        Exeter Academy is where movers and shakers from around the world send their children. These are very wealthy people who endow the school with significant funds. These funds are used (in part) for scholarships for those special ones who would otherwise be unable to find a suitable education. My friend's daughter received a partial scholarship - based on the parent's income (which was not "poor").

        At Exeter, there are no rows of desks. There are circular tables. Class size is 8-10. Students aren't given mathematical formulas to memorize. They are given word problems and must then find a formula that leads them to the answer. They then present their findings to the other students.

        Imagine what it would feel like to suddenly be told that "you are smart enough to do this"! Imagine realizing how much more you can do that anyone ever thought you could do. Imagine learning the leadership skills that such practices engage. Imagine coming away from school with self-esteem still in tact. What an advantage!

        I would love to engage in the education of students. I know how good I am at it when children are around. Unfortunately, I gave up on school when I graduated H.S. I just couldn't endure the torture any more. I began educating myself - and WHOAH!!!! How much fun that was! How much better educated I am than most of the world: A very broad-based education I wish for everyone.

        Isolation remains

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