Replacing “Gifted” with the Term “Advanced Learner” Proposed
Educational psychologist Russell T. Warne argues that the term “gifted student,” commonly used in schools, is scientifically and pedagogically problematic. He therefore proposes replacing it with the term “advanced learner.”
According to Warne, the “gifted” label creates the impression that students can be divided into two clearly defined groups: those who are gifted and those who are not. However, characteristics such as intelligence, academic ability, creativity, leadership, and artistic talent exist along a continuum rather than within fixed categories. There is often little meaningful difference between students who score just below and those who score just above the eligibility threshold for gifted education programmes.
The absence of a shared and standardised definition of giftedness is also identified as a major problem. Some experts define giftedness solely in terms of intellectual or academic capacity, while others include motivation, interest, creativity, leadership, and emotional characteristics. These differences result in students being classified differently depending on the region in which they live or the school system they attend. A student identified as gifted in one region may not receive the same label in another.
Warne argues that it is misleading to treat “giftedness” as an independent psychological characteristic. He maintains that the qualities students actually possess are intelligence, academic aptitude, artistic talent, or leadership capacity, while the term “gifted” is an administrative label subsequently applied to these different abilities.
Emphasising that attention should be directed towards the educational services provided by schools rather than students’ personal characteristics, Warne states: “The term ‘advanced learner’ may indicate that standard classroom instruction does not adequately meet a student’s learning pace and academic needs and that the student requires accelerated or enriched educational opportunities.”