Philippine Center for Gifted Education

The definition of giftedness has evidently evolved from the time of Ancient Sparta to the contemporary era. Each era/country espouses it own definition, which oftentimes reflects national priorities. For many centuries, Asian countries, like China, have actively searched and developed its high potential children using their own framework for what is considered for a person to be gifted.  

However, others, like the Philippines, have adapted western concepts that have little regard for specific forms of giftedness and concerns pertinent to a particular country. For example, there is an almost frenetic overemphasis on IQ and academic ability with little regard for other forms.

There is need to reconceptualize giftedness by accommodating cultural and social correlates that determine what a people/country considers to be criteria for giftedness. This should include, among others, what a society considers important for its national good and, therefore, should provide opportunities for development.