Abstract
M.Ed.
A lack of optimal self-realization in the pursuit of a career does not only
cause career frustration, but also implies a waste of human potential. For this
reason vocational guidance at school should function in such a way that the
particular needs of intellectually gifted pupils should be observed so that help
and support can be given to contribute to the optimal attainment of their
potential.
The problems related to vocational guidance to the intellectually gifted are
mainly due to the fact that these pupils are often able to choose from a large
variety of professions due to their particular intellectual abilities, but that
these potential do not necessarily correlate with their other personal
possibilities. Seen from this point of view, the most important aim of this
'investigation' is to supply pedagogic guidelines based on an analysis and
integration of the personal options and career preferences of the gifted in
order to assist them in achieving more meaningful self-realization and to
prevent the problem of non-optimal utilization of gifted human potential.
The manifestation of intrinsic personal potential such as intelligence, ability,
interest and personality was researched to determine how it operates within the
development of a career image in the highly gifted. The results of the
investigation indicate a correlation between different combinations of personal
potential and specific career-orientated directions of study. Amore meaningful
integration between personal potential and career preference is made possible
with the result that the gifted can display ideals and aspirations congruent
with their personal potential. Findings led to the following deductions: if the personal potential of the
highly gifted is seen in totality there appears to be a combination of personal
qualities related to career image development which manifest in clear career
tendencies. From these findings one may be justified to assume that the highly
gifted may be led to more meaningful self-realization if personal potential such
as intelligence, ability, interest and personality are applied as a whole for
identification purposes in terms of career recommendations.
In addition to the guidelines laid down from the findings of this investigation
it is recommended that individual career guidance should be given to the highly
gifted in terms of the principles of the Discover system. This system can help
the gifted to orientate their values in such a way that the basis for decisionmaking,
which implies long-term events, may be founded on a rational basis. It
will also help to highlight preferences for certain areas of work through which
the attitude to, skills and interest in certain activities may become visible in
highly gifted persons.