Commentary on the Chapter by Gilah Leder, “Looking for Gold: Catering for Mathematically Gifted Students Within and Beyond ZDM”

Abstract

The title of Leder’s article “Looking for Gold” seems particularly apt given the difficulties she identified in finding recent material that focussed specifically on mathematically gifted and talented students. Over the past 20 years in ZDM, as Leder states, there have been “…tantalizing allusions to the needs and development of mathematically gifted students but few in-depth discussions of these issues.” Leder’s review is comprehensive and canvasses many concerns. The paucity of topical research, however, into the nature of mathematical giftedness, the effects of being mathematically gifted, or ways in which students with mathematical talent should be taught, especially at the high school level, seems surprising given the importance and documented need for quality mathematics students.