Interviews with 44 gifted postsecondary students covered students' attitudes towards computers and thinking regarding their power and use in school and society. Findings revealed a generally negative attitude toward computers, possibly because of lack of available software. (CL)

A study investigated the academic and social development of 25 Canadian gifted students (ages 12-14) in a congregated class at a Catholic high school. Results found the students enjoyed being educated with their gifted peers and valued the competition. The effects of the class on the students' self-esteem are also discussed. (Author/CR)

This article presents results of several studies examining differing perceptions of influential factors on gifted children's development. Parents, teachers, and gifted children were asked what factors, behaviors, and attitudes they saw as contributing to "giftedness." Implications for instruction and assessment are explored. (Author/PB)

Reports the retrospective thoughts of 161 former participants of Saturday and summer gifted programs at Purdue University (Indiana). The programs offer enrichment and accelerated classes in all areas of the curriculum for children from age 2 through middle school. The programs' role in shaping career choices is discussed. (CR)

A survey of 227 academically talented elementary students and 236 not so identified found that gifted students often begin with positive attitudes toward school but fail to maintain these attitudes because of the lack of appropriate challenge. There was no difference between the groups in level of boredom. (Author/JDD)

A survey of 144 gifted girls and 140 gifted boys in grades 6-8 examined their expectations about future education, career, and family; attitudes about school and school achievement; and concept of gender differences. Differences were found between boys and girls in all three areas. Boys believed their wives should not pursue a career once children…

Two studies, conducted with 8 able young women in universities and 27 successful Canadian women, examined their perceptions of family interactions, career aspirations, mentor relationships, career and family life, and self-image. Both groups revealed pressures to conform to stereotypical roles, inconsistent vertical development of careers, and the…

This article considers the destructive effects of cynicism on creativity in gifted and talented students. It describes the use of a fictional character who responds to everything positive with an excessively cynical remark, to demonstrate to students the value of a more positive attitude. (DB)

A teacher of high school gifted students discusses his experiences, noting the importance of teacher humility; teacher involvement; making "basics" interesting; focusing on relevance; understanding common tactics of these students; and sharing ideas for "trapping" students into enjoying the humanities, social studies, and language arts. (DB)

This study compared learning style preferences among gifted African-American (n=54), Mexican-American (n=61), and American-born Chinese (n=40) middle grade students attending Chicago, Illinois, public schools. Significant ethnic, gender, and grade differences were found. All three groups preferred studying in the afternoon and bright light and did…

Eleven of 42 musically talented children, aged 10 to 17, who participated in an interview study of the early lives of talented musicians spontaneously remarked on problems they had experienced with the failure of peers to appreciate their musical accomplishments or learning activities. (Author/DB)

A survey of 98 educators of the gifted in South Dakota indicated that respondents viewed gifted females as self-confident, having nontraditional career plans, experiencing deeper satisfaction from their talents, having a greater interest in science and math, worrying about success and failure equally, and being more global in their problem solving…

This study examined the Mini-Course Enrichment Program offered at two Ottawa (Ontario, Canada) universities which provide week-long programs for gifted secondary school students. Respondents (97 students and 80 parents) perceived that the program enhanced personal control, developed a sense of risk taking, and helped in preparing for the future.…

A case study of four Hong Kong schools investigated the perceptions of gifted students towards the regular classroom environment before and after they attended enrichment courses. The schools examined had not developed explicit policies and most pupils were dissatisfied with regular classroom learning, particularly after attending enrichment…

A study of the 10% most able students in Sweden (n=744) found entrance into higher education was influenced by the choice of program in upper secondary school, the marks received, the students' attitudes to school, and satisfaction with their performance. Parental and teacher support had an influence on males. (CR)