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Responding to the Unique Social and Emotional Learning Needs of Gifted Australian Students

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Social and Emotional Learning in Australia and the Asia-Pacific

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of the multifaceted characteristics of intellectually gifted students, their social and emotional needs, and ways of scaffolding their social and affective growth for academic engagement from an Australian perspective. Generally, gifted students experience and respond to external influences quite differently to many of their same-age peers of average ability due to their asynchronous chronological and intellectual development and their social and emotional complexities. This asynchrony has implications for their social interactions, social and emotional learning (SEL) needs, programming, and provisions. Research reiterates that their unique characteristics require accurate identification and supportive educational provisions to enable the holistic development of their intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Recognising the unique characteristics and needs of gifted students and helping them to extend their skills to develop SEL competencies are preludes to enhancing their academic achievement, while consecutively promoting their personal well-being and healthy relationships.

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  1. GERRIC, School of Education, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

    Susen Smith

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  1. Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Erica Frydenberg

  2. University of New South Wales, School of Education, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

    Andrew J. Martin

  3. School of Education, University of New South Wales School of Education, Sydney, Australia

    Rebecca J. Collie

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Smith, S. (2017). Responding to the Unique Social and Emotional Learning Needs of Gifted Australian Students. In: Frydenberg, E., Martin, A., Collie, R. (eds) Social and Emotional Learning in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-3394-0_8

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