Educating & Working With High Ability/Gifted Students

Learn to teach high ability/gifted students and guide them to their full potential in a classroom environment

What you'll learn

Classify differing characteristics of high ability students and high achieving students, including cognitive and social/emotional differences.

Modify content, process and product to meet the learning needs of high ability students, to challenge and engage them in a classroom environment.

Design a classroom environment plan tailored to high ability students, including elements that foster curiosity, independent thinking and peer collaboration.

Explain potential behavior challenges or social emotional support needed for a high ability student.

Identify techniques for fostering effective communication with parents and other stakeholders to support the students' journey.

Requirements

Understanding of what a traditional classroom environment like is helpful, but not required. Ability to watch videos and hear the recording is necessary. Templates and handouts provided are in PDF format.

Description

“The natural trajectory of giftedness in childhood is not a six-figure salary, perfect happiness, and a guaranteed place in Who's Who. It is the deepening of the personality, the strengthening of one's value system, the creation of greater and greater challenges for oneself, and the development of broader avenues for expressing compassion.” – Counseling the Gifted and Talented, Dr. Linda K. Silverman, p. 22.Educating & Working with High Ability/Gifted Students is designed for educators, school administrators, and individuals interested in learning effective strategies to engage and support high ability/gifted and talented students in an educational setting.The following topics are covered:Understanding the characteristics and identification of high ability/gifted and talented studentsDifferentiating instruction and curriculum to meet the diverse needs of gifted learnersAddressing the social and emotional needs of high ability/gifted and talented studentsCreating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for these studentsDeveloping effective partnerships between educators, parents, and other stakeholdersDesigning enrichment activities and opportunities for advanced learningCreating a classroom environment plan that takes the needs and interests of high ability learners into accountBy the end of this minicourse, learners will have gained practical strategies, insights, and resources to effectively educate, engage, and support high ability/gifted and talented students in their educational setting.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Who am I to talk about high ability students?

Lecture 2 Why is it important to learn how to teach high ability students?

Section 2: High Ability or High Achieving?

Lecture 3 Cognitive Differences

Lecture 4 Social and Emotional Differences

Section 3: Learning Differentiation

Lecture 5 Curriculum: What content is being taught?

Lecture 6 Process: How is content being taught?

Lecture 7 Product: What content have students learned?

Section 4: Classroom Environment

Lecture 8 Developing the Learning Environment

Lecture 9 Twice Exceptional Learners

Lecture 10 Underachieving Gifted Students

Section 5: Communication and Support

Lecture 11 Working Together as a Team

Lecture 12 Parent Support

Lecture 13 Counselor Support

Educators: This minicourse is tailored for classroom teachers who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in working with high ability/gifted and talented students. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching career, this course will equip you with practical strategies and insights to meet the unique needs of these students and foster their growth. School Administrators: Principals, vice-principals, and other school leaders will find this minicourse valuable in guiding their decision-making processes and implementing effective programs for high ability/gifted and talented students. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics and challenges associated with these students, empowering you to create a supportive environment that promotes their intellectual, social, and emotional development. Teacher Candidates: If you're currently studying to become a teacher or pursuing a degree in education, this minicourse will provide you with a solid foundation in working with high ability/gifted and talented students. You'll explore key theories, best practices, and practical techniques to facilitate differentiated instruction, encourage critical thinking, and address the unique learning needs of these students. Parents and Guardians: Parents and guardians of high ability/gifted and talented students who are passionate about supporting their child's educational journey will also benefit from this minicourse. It will help you understand the characteristics of giftedness, effective strategies for advocating for your child's needs within the school system, and ways to foster their talents and overall development.