How can you best teach gifted children? Research-based tips for teachers

Teaching gifted children requires a targeted approach to fully unlock their potential. Gifted students often need a challenging learning environment tailored to their abilities and interests. Without sufficient challenge, they may become bored or frustrated. Research shows that specific educational adaptations, such as differentiation and authentic learning experiences, are effective in supporting these students and enhancing their enjoyment of learning. In this article, we explore various research-backed strategies teachers can use to guide gifted students to thrive.

Differentiated education: addressing diverse needs

Gifted children often have different learning needs compared to their peers, and differentiated education provides a tailored solution. This approach involves adapting lessons, assignments, and learning processes to meet the individual needs of each child. Research by Callahan et al. (2015) highlights the importance of flexibility in this process. Gifted students, for example, prefer learning at their own pace—quickly moving through simpler topics and spending more time delving into challenging or complex ones.

Choice is another key factor. When students can choose what to learn, such as a topic they are genuinely interested in, or how to present their understanding, like through a presentation or creative project, they feel more engaged. This approach not only improves their academic performance but also boosts their motivation. Moreover, this method fosters independence and critical thinking, creating a more meaningful and effective learning experience for gifted students.

Promoting self-regulated learning

Many gifted children enjoy working independently. They benefit from having the space to set their own goals and monitor their progress—a concept known as self-regulated learning. According to Mooij (2013), this is a crucial skill that can be nurtured from an early age. For instance, students can be encouraged to choose projects that align with their interests, such as researching environmental issues or giving a presentation on a historical figure who inspires them. This approach not only sparks their curiosity but also gives them a sense of ownership over their learning. It boosts their confidence and supports their growth as independent learners.

Differentiation based on student preferences

Differentiation based on student preferences, also known as student-driven differentiation, focuses on what students want and need in their learning journey. Kanevsky (2011) emphasizes that gifted students often prefer autonomy in their learning process. They enjoy working independently on complex, challenging tasks but also value the freedom to collaborate with peers at a similar level. Additionally, they thrive on open-ended assignments with multiple possible answers, as this allows them to think creatively and develop their own solutions.

Incorporating these preferences into your lesson design helps students feel valued and motivated to excel. This approach not only boosts engagement and motivation but also fosters a sense of appreciation and inclusion within the classroom. Co-creating lessons with students further enhances their sense of ownership over the learning process, empowering them to take charge of their educational journey.

Creating authentic challenges

Gifted children thrive when given tasks that are both challenging and meaningful. Research by Callahan et al. (2015) shows that assignments connected to real-world issues, such as environmental or societal challenges, are highly effective. These tasks not only spark curiosity but also encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. For example, students could be asked to develop solutions for reducing plastic waste in their community. Activities like these teach valuable skills and demonstrate how their learning can make a real-world impact. Working on meaningful projects helps students understand how to apply their academic knowledge to solve real problems. Additionally, it encourages them to reflect on their learning process and collaborate with others to find solutions, fostering both social and emotional growth.

Inclusive education for all students

While gifted children require special attention, it’s essential that they feel part of the classroom community. Mooij (2013) highlights that flexible education—designed to accommodate the diverse levels and needs of students—creates an environment where everyone can thrive. This means structuring lessons to support both individual needs and group interactions. For instance, you can offer group projects where students collaborate based on shared interests or topics. At the same time, allow space for individual growth. This type of education not only enhances students’ academic performance but also fosters their social skills and engagement within the classroom. It empowers teachers to create a learning environment where all students, including gifted ones, can develop and flourish.

Practical tips for teachers: how to apply it in the classroom

Incorporating adjustments for gifted students into your daily teaching practice doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some actionable tips you can start using right away:

• Conduct an interest survey: At the start of a topic or project, ask students what interests them. For example, have them create a list of topics they’d like to explore, such as “space exploration,” “animal life,” or “climate change.” Use these ideas to design differentiated assignments.
• Provide choice options: Offer a variety of tasks in different formats, such as creating a poster, writing a story, or conducting an experiment. This allows students to choose a format that aligns with their interests and talents.
• Encourage deeper exploration: Give students access to additional resources like books, websites, or videos that allow them to dive deeper into topics that fascinate them.
• Create open-ended assignments: Design tasks without a fixed answer, such as “Come up with ways to make traffic in our neighborhood safer.” This encourages students to think creatively and critically.

Practical Example

During a sustainability project, you can have students work in groups, each focusing on different aspects of the theme. For instance, if one student is interested in technology, let them research how solar panels work and how they can be installed in homes. Another student who prefers creative tasks could design a poster about ways families can save energy. This way, both students are challenged in ways that align with their talents and interests. With these practical adjustments, you can ensure that gifted students feel seen and challenged while simultaneously making meaningful contributions to the class project.

Conclusion

Gifted students thrive in an environment that recognizes their unique needs and talents. By offering flexible and differentiated instruction, involving them in their own learning process, and creating authentic challenges, you can enrich their educational experience. This approach not only makes learning more effective but also more enjoyable and meaningful. With these strategies, teachers can support the personal and academic growth of gifted children.

References

• Callahan, C. M., Moon, T. R., Oh, S., Azano, A. P., & Hailey, E. P. (2015). What works in gifted education: Documenting the effects of an integrated curricular/instructional model for gifted students. American Educational Research Journal, 52(1), 137-167. https://doi.org/10.3102/0002831214549448
• Mooij, T. (2013). Designing instruction and learning for cognitively gifted pupils in preschool and primary school. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 17(6), 597-613. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2012.696727
• Kanevsky, L. (2011). Deferential differentiation: What types of differentiation do students want? Gifted Child Quarterly, 55(4), 279-299. https://doi.org/10.1177/0016986211422098

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