What is Happening in the World of Gifted Education?

Professor Karen B. RogersGifted Education Research, Resource &

Information CentreThe University of New South Wales

k.rogers@unsw.edu.au

Teacher Effectiveness is Becoming Better Understood

• We now believe gifted students are more likely to appreciate a teacher’s effectiveness for actual teaching behaviors rather than personality alone (Rogers, 2007). Traits rated as “very important” include: – Covering the material that is “supposed” to be covered– Eliminating excess drill and revision– Compacting the curriculum through pre-assessment– Adjusting instructional pace appropriate to subject matter– Providing immediate corrective feedback– Provides scaffold (whole of the concept) up front, followed by chance

to analyze and reflect on its parts– Makes individual accommodations for some learners– Is organized and clear in presentations

Teacher Effectiveness is Becoming Better Understood

• Personality and the personal traits of effective teachers of the gifted are still important to gifted learners, however (Rogers, 2007). These include:– Seeing the gifted learner as a unique individual– Liking able students in general– Being patient and even-tempered in nature– Having sense of humor “in line” with subject matter– Exhibiting enthusiasm for subject, continuing to learn in that area

along with students– Showing no overt biases toward race or gender in treatment of

students– Trusts students to make good learning choices and provides

opportunities for independent learning

Comparative Differences in Characteristics of “Effectiveness”

• Effective Teachers of GT Learners– Expertise in specific

academic or talent area– Self-directed in own

learning, love for new, advanced learning

– Strong belief in individual differences and individualization

– Highly developed teaching skill and knowledge

• Effective Teachers of Regular Learners– Mastery of content

knowledge, enthusiasm for subject taught

– Self-directed in own learning, love for new, advanced learning

– Focus on development of learner, view learner as “person”

– Broad repertoire of instructional media, strategies

Comparative Differences in Characteristics of “Effectiveness”

• Effective Teachers of GT Learners– Not a “sage on the

stage”, but a “guide on the side”

– Variable pacing of learning experiences

– Consistent, “accurate” feedback

– Recognition of importance of intellectual development in GT learners

• Effective Teachers of Regular Learners– Facilitation of learning

through applications and problem solving

– Use of equipment, materials in new, creative ways

– Expectation for order, purpose in classroom

– Commitment to hard work, effort as measure of student success

Comparative Differences in Characteristics of “Effectiveness”

• Effective Teachers of Gifted Learners– Genuine interest in, liking

of GT learners– Equanimity, level-

headedness, emotional stability

– Possess high degree of intelligence and intellectual honesty

• Effective Teachers of Regular Learners– Show respect for

students– Are “themselves” with

students, approachable– Network and collaborate

with other teachers, are sought out by colleagues for teaching advice

Reflections on the Research

• What does this research on teacher effectiveness say to you about…– Professional development of your staff?– GATE learner outcomes -- are they high enough?

(we will come back to this in a few minutes…)– What you need to include in your strategic

planning for gifted service provision in your school or district?

Who the Gifted Learner is Has Become Clearer

• Focus on multiple expressions of giftedness (potential) and talent (performance)– Development of program services to accommodate different

potentials and different talents --no longer a single program or provision

• The importance of learning rate in ultimate retention is better understood– Intellectually gifted and maths/science/foreign language

talented students must work 2-3 times faster than “regular” class pace in order to retain accurately

USOE Definition 1972 (Marland)Visual

Performing Arts

SpecificAcademic

IntellectualCreativity

Leadership

Gagné’s Differentiated Model ofGiftedness and TalentCATALYSTS

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS (D)Informal / formal learning & practicing

INTRAPERSONAL (I)

PHYSICAL / MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS (Appearance, handicaps, health) (Temperament, personality traits, well-being)

SELF-MANAGEMENT (Maturity)

AWARENESS OF SELF / OTHERS (Strengths & weaknesses, emotions)

MOTIVATION/VOLITION (Needs, interests, passions, values) (Resource allocation, adaptive strategies, effort)

Positive/negativeimpacts

CHANCE (C)

NATURALABILITIES (NAT)

DOMAINS (G)(Examples of sub-domains)

INTELLECTUAL (Gi)General intelligence (g factor)Fluid, crystallized reasoningVerbal, numerical, spatialMemory, sense of observation

CREATIVE (Gc)Inventiveness (problem-solving)Imagination, originality (arts), retrieval fluency

SOCIAL (Gs)Communications (tact, perceptiveness, eloquence)Influence (leadership, persuasion)

PHYSICAL (Gp)Sensory (visual,auditory. affective, etc.)Motor (power, endurance, balance, coordination, etc.)

GIFTEDNESS (G)= top 10%

MILEAU (physical, cultural, social, familial, etc.)

PERSONS (parents, teachers, peers, mentors, etc.)

PROVISIONS (programs, activities, services, etc.)

EVENTS (encounters, awards, accidents, etc.)

ENVIRONMENTAL (E)

Positive/negativeimpacts

TALENT (T)= top 10%

SYSTEMATICALLYDEVELOPED COMPETENCIES

(SYSDEV)

FIELDS (T)(Examples relevant

to school-age youths)

ACADEMICS (language, science, humanities, etc.)

ARTS (visual, drama, music, etc.)

BUSINESS (sales, entrepreneurship, management, etc.)

LEISURE (chess, video games, puzzles, etc.)

SOCIAL ACTION (media, public office, etc.)

SPORTS (individual & team)

TECHNOLOGY (trades & crafts, electronics, computers, etc.)

Who the Gifted Learner is Has Become Clearer

• The gifted mind is more likely to be decontextualist in acquiring new learning than constructivist– Effective learning is most likely to occur when the gifted

learner is taught concepts, principles, generalizations, and works on issues or problems (but all this is supported with adequate access to facts, details, vocabulary, basic knowledge)

– Effective learning is most likely to occur when the concept is taught whole-to-part, rather than part-to-whole

Matching Instructional Delivery with Area

Fast Pacing Math, science, foreign language

Target teaching of gaps

In-depth learningConcept-based learning

Science.History Humanities, language arts, social studies

Whole -to-part Math, science Literature, social studies

Elimination of drill and repetition

Math, science, spelling, geography

Literature, social studies

Self-instructional learning

Math, spelling, geography

Some areas of social studies

Reflection and analysis Science Humanities, language arts, social studies

Reflections on the Research

• So what does this say to you about how teaching and instruction should be changed for gifted learners?

• Which of these strategies are your teachers already doing?

• Which of these strategies would you like to work toward in your longer term strategic planning for staff?

What the Gifted Learner Should be Taught is Clearer

• Content that is– Abstract– Complex– Multidisciplinary– Human issues-related– Methodology-related

• Skills that are– Higher Order– Open-ended– Proof & Reasoning– Problem-based, inquiry-based, guided discovery-based– Group-produced (qualified)– Allow for Freedom of Choice in Learning– Strategies to improve retention (memory training)

What the Gifted Learner Should be Taught is Clearer

• The “extras” that must be included in their studies include:– The “classics” of literature– The “big ideas” of philosophy– The major principles of the arts (for all arts domains

• Visual arts• Music• Theatre• Dance• Creative Writing• Graphic Design

– The “big ideas” of science and mathematics

Matching Modified Curriculum with Area

Content Abstraction Literature, History, Humanities

Science, Social Studies

Complexity Math, Science Literature, Social Studies

Multi-disciplinarity Science Literature, Humanities, Social studies

Study of People Social Studies, Science Literature, Humanities

Methods of Inquiry Science Humanities, social studies

Open-endedness Literature, Humanities Social Studies

Matching Modified Curriculum with Area

Proof and Reasoning

Science, Math Literature, Social Studies

Discovery Learning Science Social Studies, Humanities

Real World Problems

Science, Math Literature, Social Studies, Humanities

Transformational Products

Science Social Studies

The “Classics” Literature, Humanities

Science, Art, Music, Theater

Memory Work Science History, Geography

Matching Modified Curriculum with AreaSocial Issues, Ethics Discussions

Social Studies, Humanities

Literature, Science

Problem-Based Tasks and Projects

Science, Math Social Studies, Humanities

Service Learning Social Studies, Humanities, Science

Literature

Planning, Research Organization, Test- taking Training

Science, Math Social Studies, Humanities

Communication Skills Training

Literature Social Studies. Science

Arts-Integration Criticism History, aesthetics

How We Should Organize the Learning of Gifted Learners is

Clearer • Gifted learners must be grouped for substantial

blocks of time daily for learning and for socializing– Self-contained gifted classrooms or schools– Cluster Grouping– Within Class Grouping– Cross-Grading– Vertical Grouping - Grade telescoping– Pull out/send out programs– Like-ability/performance Cooperative Grouping– Academic teams and competitions– Affective support groups– Service learning and other group projects

Grouping Research Options

• Grouping by ability– Cluster grouping– Special full-time schools/classes (school within a school)– Send-out programs– Like ability cooperative learning

• Grouping by Performance– Cluster grouping– Send-out programs– Like performing cooperative learning – Regrouping for advanced/honors/accelerated specific subjects – Within class performance grouping (flexible grouping)– Cross-graded classes

Research on Instructional Management: Grouping Permutations

• Full-time ability grouping (ES= .49,.33)• Regrouping for specific instruction (ES= .34, .79)• Cluster grouping of GT students (ES= .59, .44)• Pull-out grouping (ES= .45,.44,.32)• Within class ability grouping (ES= .34)• Cross-graded classes (ES= .45,.46)• Mixed ability cooperative groups (ES= 0)• Like ability cooperative groups (ES=.28)

Matching for Ability Grouping• Cognitive Functioning - is processing and achieving well above

most others at grade level• Learning Strengths - learns easily and well in most subjects at

school• Learning Preferences - prefers to work at fast pace, though not

necessarily alone• Personal Characteristics - academically motivated, comfortable

with competition, self-accepting• Interests/Attitudes - likes academic work even outside of school• Books - reads widely and at advanced levels

Matching for Performance Grouping

• Cognitive Functioning - is achieving well beyond others at current grade level

• Learning Strengths - learns quickly and easily in most academic areas

• Learning Preferences - prefers fast paced, challenging work, though not necessarily alone

• Personal Characteristics - is academically motivated, accepting of others, self-accepting, independent

• Interests/Attitudes - likes academic work even outside of school• Books - reads widely and at advanced levels

How We Should Organize the Learning of Gifted Learners is

Clearer• Gifted learners will need to be accelerated in some

form at some time in their school lives– Grade-based Acceleration

• Vertical Grouping/Grade Telescoping• Grade Skipping• Early Admission to University

– Subject-Based Acceleration• Multi-age or Composite Classes• Dual Enrollment• Advanced Placement/ International Baccalaureate programs• Subject Acceleration• Credit for Prior Learning, Testing Out

Acceleration Research Options

• Grade-based Acceleration (shorten time in school)– Grade skipping– Grade telescoping– Early admission to college

• Subject-based Acceleration (advanced exposure early)

– Early admission to school– Concurrent/dual enrollment– Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate programs– Mentorships/one-to-one tutoring– Subject acceleration– Credit by examination

Research on Instructional Management: Acceleration Permutations

• Grade Skipping(ES= .49, .31)

• Early Entrance to School (ES= .49)• Subject Acceleration (ES= .57)• Grade Telescoping (ES= .40)• Concurrent Enrollment (ES= .22)• Advanced Placement courses (ES= .27)• Early Admission to College (ES= .30)• Credit by Examination (ES= .59)

Matching for Acceleration: Grade-Based

• Cognitive Functioning - needs to learn more in a year than 1 year’s curriculum in most subjects

• Learning Strengths - shows strengths in every academic area• Learning Preferences - prefers to work alone and at own pace • Personal Characteristics - is independent and persistent• Interests/Attitudes - likes academic work, has wide-ranging

interests• Books - often reads books well beyond age and “appropriately

developmental” level

Matching for Acceleration: Subject-Based

• Cognitive Functioning - is performing well above age peers in specific academic area or areas

• Learning Strengths - more than 2 grades ahead in specific area or areas

• Learning Preferences - enjoys variety of delivery methods and challenges in that specific area

• Personal Characteristics - is self-directed, independent, and motivated to learn

• Interests/Attitudes - strong passion in specific area(s) with little time to pursue this outside of school

• Books - reads extensively in specific passion area

How We Should Organize the Learning of Gifted Learners is

Clearer• Some individualization of the gifted learner’s program

of studies will be necessary– Compacting the Curriculum– Independent Study, self-instructional materials– Credit for Prior Learning– Testing Out– Mentorships, Tutorships

Individualization Research Options

• Individualization– Unique plan for individual child

• Education plan• Compacting• Mentorship/one-to-one tutoring• Independent study• On-line/distance learning

– Flexible progression through general K-12 curriculum• Non-graded classes• Multi-grade classes• Credit for prior learning• Testing out• On-line/distance learning

Research on Instructional Management:Individualization

• Non-graded classrooms (ES= .38)• Multi-grade classrooms (ES= .19)• One-to-one mentoring/tutoring (ES= .57)• Compacting (ES= .83,.26)• Credit for prior learning (ES= .56)• Talent Development (LO)• IEPs or ILPs (LO)• Independent Study (ES= 0)

Matching for Compacted Curriculum

• Cognitive Functioning - is achieving at substantially higher level in some subjects than most classmates

• Learning Strengths - pre-assessment shows actual levels of mastery in subject or subjects

• Learning Preferences - willing to work alone or in small group on self-instructional tasks

• Personal Characteristics - motivated to learn, persistent, independent

• Interests/Attitudes - has high interest in area to be compacted, boredom with routine learning

• Books - reads deeply in specific area of strength

Matching for Independent Learning

• Cognitive Functioning - is processing, achieving well beyond grade level in specific academic area

• Learning Strengths - strong in planning and organizational skills, as well as in specific subject

• Learning Preferences - enjoys variety of delivery methods and challenge

• Personal Characteristics - is self-directed, independent, motivated to learn

• Interests/Attitudes - strong specific interests, time to supplement learning outside of school

• Books - reads deeply in specific interest, strength

So, What Does This Mean for Educational Leaders?

• Take ceilings and basements off curriculum outcomes

• Provide links among subject areas whenever a new concept is introduced

• Target teach for gaps in skills and knowledge, but spend less than 10% of your time on remediation

• Provide new content and skills daily in specific areas of talent for individual students (for the rest, additional challenge 1-2 times per week)

So, What Does This Mean for Educational Leaders?

• Provide affective, individualized support for students for approximately 25% of your time with them

• Regroup students according to their current performance levels in each subject taught

• Keep the pace fast and non-repetitive, especially in math, science, and foreign language

• Find content experts for individual learners when they have outstripped your knowledge of a talent area

So, What Does This Mean for Educational Leaders?

• Choose content and curriculum carefully with these two maxims in mind– Would, Could, Should Questions (Passow)– HOTS not MOTS

Last Words

It’s a daunting task, being an educator, bearing the responsibility for shaping both academics and attitudes. Accountability, as defined in today’s schools, often measures the easy stuff: the math facts memorized, the commas placed correctly, the historical events sequenced. But the true measure of the educator’s teaching performance is not so readily determined. No computer-scanned bubble sheet measures how our students feel about learning or their biases toward self and others. These indexes, the true value of learning and education, elude detection and measurement, sometimes for years…So, the brave educators wishing to enhance both students’ self-concepts and their achievements must be content with not knowing the immediate or long-term impacts of their actions.

[Delisle, J.R. (1992). Guiding the social and emotional development of gifted youth. Pp. 49-50. New York: Longman]