What psychologists say...

EDUCATIONAL psychologist Dr Inderbir K. Sandhu says lack of awareness that a child may be gifted may result in the child being disruptive, difficult and non-cooperative in school. 

“In formal schooling, they require a differentiated curriculum which is ability-based so they are not held back by the regular curriculum. 

“Enrichment is essential at this point as they learn better through application rather than memory,” says Dr Inderbir. 

Primary school is most crucial to maintain and further enhance their gifts and this is also when they may be in danger of burning out, she adds. 

In her study on gifted children in the Malaysian classroom that formed her Cambridge doctoral thesis, Adaptation of Gifted Students to the System of Education in Malaysian Secondary Schools (2000), Dr Inderbir found that over 90% of gifted students indicate feelings of boredom and are unchallenged by the system of education. 

In Malaysian schools, a major concern is that teachers are not trained to tell gifted children from their average counterparts. 

She says that research indicates that home-schooling can be helpful for these children if done the proper way.  

“A concern is the socio-emotional development of gifted children as a school environment provides a very different platform in terms of socio-emotional development and experience.  

“Perhaps, the best would be a combination of part home-schooling and part formal schooling,'' she says. 

HELP University College behavioural sciences faculty dean Dr Goh Chee Leong says that gifted children have an innate ability to process certain types of information more quickly compared with others their age. 

He emphasises that each gifted child is unique and needs to be treated as an individual.  

Dr Goh advises parents of gifted children to nurture their children’s talents and not restrict them.  

“If a child is good in Maths, feed him more Maths. Don’t limit his abilities.” 

He cautions parents against labelling their child as gifted though.  

“Focus less on labelling as the child may feel abnormal.” 

What is more important, he says, is for parents to provide plenty of opportunities and experiences for the child to develop further and enjoy learning. 

On some parents’ decision to home-school their children, Dr Goh says they must ensure that a child’s other needs, such as socialisation, are also met. 

“Ultimately, parents must know the pros and cons of each path.  

“The right of the child to choose should also be recognised. He should have a say in the decision-making process.” – BY SIMRIT KAUR