Education

Able Learners' Enrichment Program

Study Requirements

Semester 1
UNDERSTANDING THE GIFTED AND TALENTED (EDU41GTY)
15 credit points
Dr Michael Faulkner

This subject provides an introduction to student giftedness, including an exploration of the characteristics of the gifted and talented. The subject also covers models of giftedness, wider school system provision for precocious learners, and, prevailing social attitudes towards these young people, both internationally, and in Australia. Study areas also include: the modes and strategies used in the identification of giftedness, the relevance of temperament and personality characteristics in giftedness, asynchronous development, motivation, social and emotional issues relating to giftedness, underachievement, mis-diagnosis, and identifying able learners at risk,, and, understanding and encouraging co-operative teacher-parent relationships in the interests of gifted learners.

Class requirements
A one hour lecture and one two hour tutorial each week.

Assessment
One 2,000 word assignment (50 %), one 1,000 word seminar presentation (20 %) and one 1,500 word essay (30 %) Attendance requirements in this subject include a minimum of 75 % attendance at tutorials, as well as an overall mark of at least 50 %.

Recommended Reading

• Commonwealth of Australia,(2001). The education of gifted children, Canberra, Report of the Senate Employment, Workplace Relations, Committee
• Porter, L., (2005). Gifted young children : a guide for teachers and parents Second Edition, Australia, Allen & Unwin
• Sousa, D. (2003), How the gifted brain learns, California, Corwin Press Inc.

Semester 2
MODELS FOR CHALLENGING AND SUPPORTING GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS (EDU42GTY)
15 credit points
Dr Michael Faulkner

In this subject, students will investigate and critically evaluate models of provision for gifted and talented students, at system, school, and classroom levels. Broadly, such orientations include within classroom enrichment, differentiated curriculum, compacted curriculum, acceleration, mentoring, flexible vertical timetabling, and on-line programs. Also explored are out-of-school enrichment options for very able learners. Students taking this subject will be actively encouraged to investigate the multiple ways gifted and talented students can be encouraged and supported as individuals, and in their learning.

Pre-requisite
EDU41GTY

Class requirements
A one hour lecture and a two hour tutorial each week, (or the equivalent) which may include some evening or week end classes.

Assessment
One 1,000 word seminar presentation, (25%) and one 3,500 word assignment (75%) In order to pass this subject, 75% attendance is required at all tutorials, as well as an overall assessment mark of 50 %.

Recommended Reading

• Colangelo N. and Davis G. (2003). Handbook for gifted education 3rd Edition New York, Allen & Bacon.