The Artistically Talented: Their Characteristics, Ways of Discovering them and The Role of Art Education in protecting and Developing Them

Abstract

This research deal with the topic of gifted children in the realm of art, their characteristics, the way of discovering them and the role of art in protecting and developing their talents in this field. Despite the fact that numerous programs where devoted to the gifted and talented, the ones dealing with the giftedness in the field of art are very few compared to the ones dealing with giftedness in the academic and mental fields. In the Arab World – in particular- such studies are very scarce and it is from this fact that this research derives its importance. This study reviews the problems that face those who are gifted in the field of the art. It also shows that the role of art in general education is still ignored to a great extent. Many people including some of those who work in the field of education – believe that those who are gifted in the field of art do not need any instruction and their talents grow and develop by themselves. They also believe that they are very few in number to the extent that they do not deserve special care. The study also investigates the role of art in discovering the talents. The term “gifted” and “talent” were defined in both Arabic and English, along with the terms superiority” genius” and intelligence .Type of intelligence and giftedness and the methods of nominating children whether by their teachers, peers or parents were specified along with self- nomination and the personal art portfolios. The researcher was concluded by presenting abases and principles that should be adhered to in the school programs that are directed to taking care of children who are gifted in art.