Effective Curriculum Models for Gifted and Talented Students

Principles and Components:

There are three curriculum models that are used to effectively teach gifted and talented students. These models include the Integrated Curriculum Model, the William and Mary Center for Gifted Education Research Model, and the Parallel Model.

The Integrated Curriculum Model has three main dimensions advanced content, process/product, and issues/themes. The first dimension, advanced content, is content that it at a higher level. In English Language Arts the readings are usually two grade levels above. Within advanced content, diagnostic-prescriptive approaches are used to promote new learning. Teachers are to continually pre-assess students before teaching content to make sure they are teaching at the appropriate level for the gifted students. In the second facet of the model it ensures that the students are thinking and processing information at higher complex levels. The third dimension of the Integrated Curriculum Model centers gifted and talented students learning around major issues and themes. To connect the themes and issues to real world applications is creating a deeper understanding of the material.

The Research Model was created at the William and Mary Center for Gifted Education. This model was created to strengthen the student’s critical thinking skills. The Research Model provides the student with an issue of importance and gives the opportunity to explore its content individually or in small groups. The student explores a issue of significance through an eight-step process. In the eight steps there are a series of questions that are to be answered through the process of research. The journey through this model begins with identifying an issue or problem. Next, students are to research the ...

... middle of paper ...

...l. With the current curriculum in place, I think that the Parallel Curriculum would be the most adaptable at this time. It is a model that can be designed, evaluated, and revised. In my current work setting, the students are at various levels. Although, I feel strongly about the themes throughout the Integrated Curriculum Model, I do not think that is a model that could be easily revised/ changed and fit the different levels of my current class. With that being said, it also allows the flexibility to adhere to the varying needs of the students as wells as their interest. I particularly like the identity parallel for my current students. Making relationship is a skill that they relate to particular well. To have opportunities through the year for self-exploration would greatly benefit this group. Making connections helps provide a deeper meaning of the content.