July 20, 2015

Quick Chat: Person First Terminology

Werklund Prof discusses why it’s important to identify individuals before exceptionalities
Sal Mendaglio

Sal Mendaglio discusses why it’s important to identify individuals before exceptionalities

As a society, we tend to identify people by the characteristics that make them stand out. We seem to constantly categorize by gender, race, body size, and intelligence.

Educational psychologists say this is a mistake and that we need to learn to use what’s called “person-first” terminology when we are describing a person and their personal traits.

When it comes to children who show signs of giftedness, for example, Werklund School professor Sal Mendaglio says it’s important to remember that the child is just that—a child first, and gifted second.

He explains what he means in this Quick Chat.

Audio:

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