Originally, gifted education meant simply “education for the gifted.” Soon, educators realised that the principles and methods of gifted education would enrich learning for all children. Imagine Classroom A – large class size, high student:teacher ratio, lecture-based teaching, tests that assess only memory and writing speed, and a one-size-fits-all philosophy. Sounds familiar? It should – this is the reality in most Indian classrooms. Now imagine Classroom B – small class size, frequent student-teacher and student-student interaction, scope for independent and hands-on learning, and tests that assess application and original thinking. Given the option, most children would prefer Classroom B.

The problem? Many teachers argue that given current conditions, we simply don’t have the resources to implement Classroom B. Here is one of the abiding myths regarding gifted education: that it’s expensive and difficult to implement. This is simply not true. Developing a gifted education lesson plan takes effort, but it can be done with easily accessible materials.

The payoffs?

1. An improvement in student interest. Gifted education can improve the quality of learning and learning outcomes for all children.
2. Equally important, giving children the opportunity to think independently and express themselves via different modalities (rather than just by writing) often brings out abilities that the regular classroom does not allow them to demonstrate. How can you know whether a particular child is or isn’t gifted – if the child has never had the opportunity to express his gift? Too often in a regular classroom, the only strength or weakness a teacher is aware of is academic ability. Giftedness, as we discussed earlier, is different from and larger than academic ability. Expose children to a lesson enriched with gifted education principles, and you may be surprised that children you considered average or below-average do in fact possess important skills and knowledge.

Our teacher training workshops expose participants to gifted education in a hands-on format. Participants work in groups to develop a gifted education lesson-plan within the constraints of their school system. Here you will learn how to implement the principles of gifted education to enrich the classroom learning experience for all students. To find out about upcoming teacher training workshops in your area, go here . To request a teacher training workshop for your school, go here Contact Us form.

For further information on gifted education, read this article [link to Press > “Gifted Children Need Teachers Who Set Intellectual Challenges].

Useful Links for Teachers:

1) http://diversegiftedadults.com/ -- Running the Long Race in Gifted Education

2) http://giftedissues.davidsongifted.org/BB/ -- A Forum for discussing gifted issues.

3) http://www.nagc.org/Educators.aspx -- Teacher resources and community.

4) www.sengifted.org -- The socioemotional needs of gifted children.

5) www.mensaforkids.org -- Classroom activities to keep gifted children engaged and stimulated.

6) www.ixl.com/Math -- Gifted teaching resources for maths.

7) http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/educators.htm -- Research on and resources for gifted education.

8) www.teachersnetwork.org -- A place to network with teachers, discuss issues, and share resources.

9) www.gifted.uconn.edu -- General information on giftedness.

10) www.exquisite-minds.org -- Curriculum and activities for G.E.

11) www.corwin.com -- Issues of gifted children and how to deal with them.

12) www.davidsongifted.org -- A wide range of articles and resources.