Ask HN: Why not replace gifted education with no assignments for top students?

2 pointsamichail4 comments

Gifted students could use the free time to do whatever is interesting to them (e.g., play video games, program apps, prepare for math contests, etc.) as long as they continue to do well on tests/exams.

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"Gifted students" can easily become lazy with no motivation and milestones and end up being overtaken by "average" student with work ethic.

I think you're assuming that schooling completely removes the capacity for intrinsic motivation and independent goal-setting from students. To me, that seems more an indictment of how school works than a flaw in gifted children.

Because they actually could go farther if given a challenge or push? Particularly with some guidance?

Obviously one can present the options for skating by, but I reckon most would love something SIGNIFICANT to sink their teeth into. Get them accepted into a research team or project that inspires them out there in either big academia or “the real world”(tm)

I think it is a mistake for gifted students to think too much of high school education — even if gifted. I'm sure they can find better things to do with their time.

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