Here is a personal experience I had with a gifted student. I will call him John, which is not his real name. If I give his real name, you may know who he is. John is a junior (12/2006).

 

I have known John for the past several years, and am very impressed. Last week I was teaching a practical math class. To my surprise, I saw John there. I sat next to him and started talking. I asked him what he was doing there. He said that he failed a math course, and so was required to take this course. I asked him why he failed. He said he was bored. I discussed boredom with him. I told him that if he knew what was going on, he should quietly do something else. It does no good to pay attention if he already knows what is being discussed. He should occasionally listen up for there may be a new idea being discussed. I told him that I understand how he feels, as I was a gifted child in school also.

 

I feel happy that I was able to talk to John, and help set him on the right track. Losing a brilliant mind like John would be a serious loss for society.

 

Teachers need to be alert to students that are very superior, and to treat them differently.

 

SEE THE BOOK FOR MORE DETAILS.