Gifted Learners K-12: A Practical Guide to Curriculum & Teaching

This course addresses the numerous issues and content utilized in teaching gifted learners in K-12 educational settings. It identifies ways of helping teachers enhance the general classroom content for gifted learners. The book provides strategies to modify and implement for challenging students of various ages and contents areas. Methods for enhancing creative and critical thinking skills as well as effective teaching strategies for 15 subject areas are presented. Educators will develop a written application essay or unit /lesson plans for classroom implementation. (3 credits)

Write a brief chapter review/reflection paragraph or bullet points for 10 chapters areas in the book. They should include some information and knowledge that was significant and applicable to your teaching area. Perhaps they were ideas and concepts, a revelation or an activity for your teaching.

• Introduction: Conditions Requiring Alternative Strategies, Creating Successful Programs
• Part I: Programming for the Gifted
•    Chapter 1: Academically - Identifying Intellectually Gifted Learners, Underachievement
•    Chapter 2: Teachers, Research, Personalization, Eleven ways to Differentiated Instruction
•    Chapter 3: Rates of Acquisition, Retention and Rubrics for High, Moderate and Low Levels
•    Chapter 4: Curriculum Strategies, Implementations, Characteristics, Variations, Clustering
• Part II Advanced Placement and Honors Programs, Enrichment Strategies and Activities
• Part III Teaching by Subject Areas: Art, Business, World Languages, Math, Music and Science
• Appendix A: Effective Instruction and Classroom Management for Gifted Students
• Appendix B, C, D, and E: Parents, Life Skills, and Twenty Five ways to Motivate Students

Write a 2/3 page application essay regarding your experience and understanding of the book: Gifted Learners K-12. The writing should be in an area of grading interest that is relevant to your teaching and subject experience. Topics could include a research paper, internet search, an article, chapter or topic analysis, an activity, a lesson or unit-plan. Write about your own teaching experience and how you can apply the information in the book to your teaching methodology and classroom environment.