Meeting Special Needs: Gifted Students

Learning Activity 7-D-1

Myths and Truths about Gifted Students

NOTE: This activity is divided into two parts:

Part One: Self-Check
Part Two: Post to Class Discussions

Part One

Learn about the special needs of gifted students by completing the following tasks:

1.)

In the Tomlinson text, read pages 11-12, "Understanding the Needs of Advanced Learners."
Access the New Horizons Web site to read an article entitled, “Differentiated Curriculum for Classrooms with Gifted Children.”

2.)

Take a Self-Check about gifted students.

Click Submit Assignments and select 7-D-1: Self-Check: Myths and Truths About Gifted Students to check your prior knowledge about gifted students.
Retake the Self-Check until you get a perfect score. Your final score will automatically be registered in the Gradebook.
When you get the results of the Self-Check, additional information about gifted students will be provided with each correct answer. Be sure to read this information. You will debrief the Self-Check in Part Two.

Note: The information for this Self-Check came from “Common Myths About Gifted Students” by the ERIC Clearinghouse Information Center on Disabilities and Gifted Education.

Part Two

1.)	After completing all of the above tasks, answer the following questions: What information surprised you or busted a myth you may have had? What information did you learned or re-learn? What new insights have you gained about gifted learners?
2.)	Post your answers to Class Discussions 7-D-1: Myths and Truths About Gifted Students.
3.)	Read others’ responses and reply to one person.

Learning Activity 7-D-2

Working With Gifted Students

[Post to Class Discussions]

Advanced and gifted students can pose some interesting challenges in the classroom. Teachers who have several DI strategies from which to choose, will be able to give these students meaningful learning opportunities:

1.)

Read “Gifted Students Research References” in Key Information.
Go to the Center for Talent Development web site to read practical advice offered from some experts in the field. (Note: The link below will open up a new browser window)

2.)

In a paragraph or two, summarize the information you have learned about working with gifted students and how you can provide meaningful activities for them. Cite at least one specific example from each Web site in your response.

3.)

Post your summary to Class Discussions 7-D-2: Working with Gifted Students.

4.)

Read what responses from your classmate’s and reply to at least one person.