Are all gifted and talented students prodigies or do they merely have the capacity to thrive when they are self driven? Answering this question requires examining what makes a person a prodigy. A prodigy is a person who is innately self-driven in a discipline or endeavor. However many factors influence a person's destiny as a prodigy.
Both gifted and talented students and prodigies have the capacity for high achievement. While a gifted student might succeed in many subjects, a prodigy tends to focus on one area almost obsessively. The prodigy reaps great joy from the very act of working in their area of talent. Learning more becomes a reward in itself. Gifted students sometimes succeed in subjects where they feel no particular passion. An example would be a seventh grade SWAS student getting an A in math but hating algebra. Their success is not dependent on a passion for the subject.
Prodigies repeatedly practice the skills they have already mastered. A piano prodigy might practice a particular music score many times even after they have exceeded proficiency. Gifted and talented students might move on to another skill once they meet the expectation. It takes an inner motivation in a subject to move a person from gifted to prodigy status.
A gifted and talented student by definition has the ability to reach higher levels of academic understanding. However whether the student chooses to drive themselves to excellence in all areas comes from within. Prodigies must have focus. They can not allow themselves to become distracted or lazy. High achievement is the minimum requirement that they can accept for themselves. This determination does not sprout from outside manipulation or offers of reward. Offering to pay a prodigious academic student for high grades really would not motivate them. While a proposal presenting the opportunity for advanced understanding of subjects would be extremely appealing.
The argument that all gifted and talented students are prodigies has merit if you strictly adhere to the prodigy definition. These students demonstrate an accelerated and advanced proficiency in basic subject areas. Some read at college levels while still in middle school. Others are able to solve difficult equations at ease from their early primary grades. While another group of gifted students creatively script mini novels by high school graduation. How could these students not be considered prodigies?
Gifted students possess a special talent. Prodigies use their talents. Prodigies have a burning desire to move up to levels previously never achieved. Their ability is coupled with passion, determination and follow-through. Regardless of their surroundings, prodigies will aspire and achieve. Motivation encompasses a prodigious student's entire lifestyle. To quote NASA, “Failure is not an option.” Gifted students might eventually give up a pursuit but a prodigy will follow their passion forever. Gifted students have the possibility of becoming academic prodigies but the true prodigy makes that possibility a reality.
