What do gifted students tend to do in a regular class setting, according to misconceptions?

Gifted students often possess advanced cognitive abilities and can demonstrate exceptional talent in specific areas. The misconception that they make everyone else smarter in the class arises from the belief that their presence and capabilities will elevate the performance of their peers through their engagement and the dynamics of classroom interaction. This idea aligns with a common hope among educators that gifted students can positively influence their classmates by sharing knowledge, stimulating discussions, and prompting higher-order thinking.

However, this perception does not consistently hold true. While gifted students can contribute to a richer learning environment, they may also require specific accommodations and challenges to meet their needs. The dynamics of how they interact with peers and how that interaction impacts overall student performance is complex and varies by individual and context. Understanding this can help in tailoring strategies to effectively support gifted learners without relying on the assumption that their mere presence will enhance the learning outcomes for all students.