Education and social-emotional development of gifted children. Historical perspective and contemporary perspectives Volume 18

Gifted children constitute a category of students distinguished by their high intellectual abilities and their particular socio-emotional development. The aim of modern education, of course, is both the academic and social-emotional development of all pupils. Responding to the special needs of gifted children, a modern educational system must provide the motivation, teaching resources and means to achieve its goals. In this context, a historical review of educational approaches and interventions for the support of these students in both an international and Greek context is attempted. In particular, programmes and models for the education of gifted children are presented, as well as their implementation agencies. Of particular value are, undoubtedly, the scientific studies that highlight the needs and evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the above programmes. The results of the study of all these highlight the importance of increased care and provision of specialised education for the full development of the potential of gifted children. This is a stake that can make a decisive contribution to their self-realisation and to the progress of society.