Gifted students are often overlooked in education because it is assumed they are capable of progressing without support. This is one of the conclusions in the informative new book by educationalist Fidelma Healy Eames which is released this week.
Dr Healy Eames, a former senator is lead educator and director of Study and Careers, education, wellbeing and career consultants at www.studyandcareers.ie Dr Healy Eames was commissioned to write The Gifted Learner: How to Help by UK publisher Pavilion and is confident it will prove an invaluable aid to teachers and parents alike as they strive to ensure that gifted students are enabled to make the most of their abilities.
‘’I was commissioned to write this book in the Spring of 2020 so it has been two and a half years in the making,” Dr Healy Eames told the Advertiser, adding that a large number of people were interviewed for the book.
“A main strength of the book is the body of 57 first hand interviews I conducted with students, their parents and nominated teachers and experts in the field. The book explores issues relating to learning, curiosity, problem-solving, creativity, motivation, social and emotional development, under-achieving gifted learners, and those with a co-existing disability, curriculum provision, and more.
“It’s great to finally see it on the shelves in Charlie Byrne’s, our local Galway bookshop,” she added.
‘’Gifted or high ability learners are often overlooked in education, partly because they are a diverse group and partly because they are seen as bright and thus able to cope without support. To assume this is a mistake.
“The reality is giftedness does not mean consistent high ability across all domains - gifted students may not excel in all subjects - and a considerable number of high ability learners can be emotionally and socially immature. As a result they can be misunderstood and quite vulnerable,” she added.
One mother described her daughter’s gift as ‘a blessing and a curse’, ‘Why, you may wonder when they have so much going for themselves?’. .
The answer is it comes at a price. Many put themselves under enormous pressure from self-criticism and exacting standards where nothing is seen to be good enough.
Perfectionism, frustration and intensity are frequently experienced and they can be prone to worry and anxiety. The nineteen case studies taught me a lot - they reveal really important insights demonstrating the diversity of learners and issues involved.
‘The Gifted Learner: How to Help’ offers a straightforward guide to how high ability students can best be supported to achieve their potential and realise their considerable talents through understanding and practical ways teachers and schools, parents and care-givers can help.
Only when gifted learners are recognised, understood and nurtured holistically, at cognitive and emotional levels, can they fulfil their promise and become the leaders of tomorrow. The payback for society is potentially huge, they form the top 10% of learners, they are essentially our ‘seed potatoes’ and so worth investing in by our State, said Dr Healy Eames.
‘The Gifted Learner: How to Help’ is available at Charlie Byrne’s bookshop in Galway and via Amazon
