How to Measure the Brightness of a Gifted Child? (7 Ways)

Brightness can be measured and assessed. Generally, the following means or tools are used:

(a) Intelligence tests.

(b) Scholastic achievement tests.

(c) Observation and judgment of teachers.

(d) The use of health records.

(e) Personality tests.

(f) Observations and remarks of classmates and companions.

(g) A properly-kept record of study habits.

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The most frequently used tool is the tests of intelligence. They help us to determine brightness in a child, in terms of the I.Q. or the Intelligence Quotient.

In the case of a child, his Intelligence Quotient is a comparison between his intelligence and the intelligence of average children of his age or it is a ratio between his chronological and his mental age.

These tests of intelligence, first introduced in France by Alfred Binet, early in this century, were then used extensively and experimented upon in the U.S.A., the U.K. and other countries.

Many adaptations and advances have been made on intelligence tests for Indian children such as Sohan Lai’s Tests of Intelligence, Bhatia’s Battery, the C.I.F. Scale of Intelligence, Kamat’s adaption of Sanford Binet Test and others.

More recently, the Department of Psycholo­gical Foundations of the National Council of Educational Research and Training Delhi is engaged in the task of standardising or adapting more tests of intelligence useful for children in our county.

It may be pertinent to note here that “intelligence” which is a major factor in “brightness” is regarded as a capacity determined by heredity as well as environment.

Heredity determines a child’s inborn ability to learn, while how much this inborn ability is developed and used is determined by the environ­ment in which he lives and moves.

Although the knowledge of intelligence quotient is necessary and important for professional psychologists and counselors to guide in the education of children, many lay people think it is prophetic. Many parents misunderstand the I.Q. and do not realise that this is only an indication of intelligence, and that this does not throw light on other qualities which constitute brightness.

The intelligence test also does not measure creative ability, for example, the ability in music, fine arts, leadership qualities, ability in drama and many others. Experienced and good teachers have many opportunities of observing these qualities in and outside the classroom.