Classroom Strategies for the Support of Gifted and Talent

Giftedkids.ie Webinar Series

Classroom
Strategies
Presented by
Peter Lydon
October 7th 2010

Supported by
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland,
C.T.Y.I. & N.C.T.E.

Classroom Strategies
for Teaching Gifted
and Talented Children
Peter Lydon
Wesley College, Dublin
&
www.icepe.eu

2

Background

• BA, MA, DipEd.
• 3 years teaching in Ballymun
• 17 years in Wesley College
• 16 years in CTYI, DCU
– 6-12 year olds
– Mostly 12-16 years olds

Copyright Peter Lydon @ 2010

Role of the Classroom Teacher

• To manage the learning environment (classroom etc)
• To teach
– Instruct? Educate?
• To ensure students are working
– Check homework - Correct exams
• To assess
• BUT…………………
• No matter what happens, to cover the course
– Says who?
• NCCA; Inspectorate; Principal; Board of Management;
• Parents


What if…………..?

• What if you could construct the type of education system you
wanted……………
• …………what would that look like…………..?

• In teaching G&T children……….
• ………it would meets their need to self actualise AND
• ………the children would still get the college points needed.

• Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to reconcile these two.
• We want happy and successful children, but if we had to chose
between happy and successful, which would be pick?


Teachers before and After

• Before
– The fear of being caught out, of being challenged, of getting it
wrong
– Sense of inadequacy - that there are children in the classroom that
are ‘smarter’ or know more than the teacher.

• After
– The joy of being caught out, of being challenged, of getting it
wrong
• Teachers are human!
– Being OK with having highly able children and realising one’s
potential as a source of true education for the child.

– Important to realise that a teacher maybe the only person a child
has with whom to journey along their cognitive development path.


Teachers

• The effective teaching of G&T children is not very different from
effective teaching generally.
• Good teaching is good teaching irrespective of the student.
• Provide Positive relationships
• Teachers have to be in the same boat as the student
– Need to avoid a ‘them and us attitude’.
• A teacher who can not learn and has nothing to learn can teach no one
• Teachers need to be prepared to model the behaviour they wish to see in
students
• Flexible in use of time
• Focus on creative process
• Modify classroom environment


Teachers

• Instructional outcomes are enhanced when
– Classrooms are managed effectively
– Their is a sense of positivity in the school environment
• School culture actively promotes learning and encourages
achievement
– There is appropriate instructional match
– Goals are clear, expectations are explicitly communicated, lessons
are clearly presented
– Student receive good instructional support
– Sufficient time is allocated to instruction
– Opportunity to respond is high
– Teachers actively monitor student progress and understanding
– Student performance is evaluated appropriately and frequently
• (Christenson, Ysseldyke and Thurlow)


Gifted and Talented Children

• Need to move through the curriculum faster and in more depth
• Are more able to retain information the faster it is delivered
• Find abstract and complex content more academically rewarding
• Engage in a ‘searching’ behaviour to find answers, develop
understanding
– Often aimed at generating abstract rules for application later

• are just like other children only more so!


What do G&T children say about school

• Too much repetition
• Too slow
• Not enough new material
– Not enough material.
• Not enough time for questions
• Being ‘rewarded’ with extra work
• Opinion not valued
• Teacher not knowing enough about the topic
• Limited resources
• Don’t like mixed ability


The Basics

• Establish a consistent discipline
– Control entry to class
– Has a ‘start of class’ routine
• Books, copies, homework journal,
• decide how to take in homework
– Start of class, end of class on way out…
– Keep a late-to-class book
– Keep a register of attendance for each class
– Have a seating plan
• Consider this carefully
– Useful to have a small activity for students to do while waiting
for class to begin


The Basics – Part II

– Lesson plans need to be written down
• Some leeway in this
• In some form
– Formal plan, a classwork worksheet,
• Need to be able to communicate plan to students at the start
of class
– Minimum, communicate objectives
– Should have a beginning, middle and end
• Need not be ‘teacher talks, children work, teacher reviews’
• Think of advertising!
– As far as practical, write homework on board at start of class
– After that
• Motivation and methodologies


Rules ‘n’ stuff

• Discipline rules should be a given
– Make sure students know what these are and that they are
consistent

• Attitudes expressed in class
– Class mutual support for winners (however defined)
– Success attitude
– Learning is valued
– There is no such thing as a ‘swat’ etc
– No jeering or passing remarks likely to intimidate or ridicule
• Zero tolerance
• Teacher
– Be willing to recognise effort even for incomplete work
– Be willing to listen to the student


Ian Gilbert

• Little Book of Thunks
• Essential Motivation in the Classroom
– WIIFM?
• What’s in it for me?

• For the Gifted child, often very little


Motivation in the Classroom

• Match learning to the childs ability
• Make learning relevant
• Make learning fun
• Assign appropriately challenging work
• Promote self-directed learning
• Teach to the students enjoyment
• Vary methods (but not necessarily in the same lesson!)
• Don’t be afraid to be quirky in approach
– Don’t miss a chance for creativity


Some Issues

• Textbooks
– Many teacher teach to the textbook, from the textbook
• Individual Work
– isolated learning
• Classes often chalk and (teacher) talk
• Thinking is devalued
– G&T children cannot find their voice
• Closed questions
– Little opportunity for Divergent thinking
• Early finishers ‘rewarded’ with extra work
• No one likes a _____________( insert whichever applies – swat, clown, smart alec, know all)


Making a difference.....

• Encourage independent thinking
• Encourage abstract and complex thought
• be accepting – of debate, discussion, questions
• Facilitate discussion
• Use open ended projects
• Groups activities


Making a bigger difference

• Be a facilitator of learning

• The Equalizer
• Bloom’s Taxonomy
• The Jigsaw Classroom
• Project based Activity
• Differentiation
• Developing Research Skills
• De Bono
• Encouraging Independent Learning
• Assessment for Learning
• Role of Digression


• insert
• Tomlinson


Blooms Taxonomy
of educational objectives

• Knowledge
• Comprehension
• Application
• Ananlysis
• Synthesis
• Evaluation


1. Knowledge: The recall of information.

define name order

describe recite recognize

label recall record

list relate reproduce

match repeat state

arrange underline


2. Comprehension: The translation, interpretation or
extrapolation of knowledge.

arrange explain interpret

classify express locate

describe identify report

discuss indicate restate

sort translate extrapolate

arrange explain interpret


3. Application: The application of knowledge to a new
situation.

apply practice solve
choose prepare use
illustrate schedule demonstrate
operate sketch measure
apply practice solve
choose prepare use


4. Analysis: To break down knowledge into parts and show
relationships among the parts.

analyze diagram question
appraise discriminate test
calculate distinguish differentiate
categorize examine compare
contrast experiment inventory
criticize


5. Synthesis: Bringing together parts (elements, components) of
knowledge to form a whole and build relationships for new situations.

arrange design prepare

assemble formulate propose

collect manage set up

compose organize synthesize

create plan write

construct modify conduct


6. Evaluation: Judgments about the value of material and
methods for given purposes.

appraise estimate select
argue evaluate support
assess judge value
attack predict score
compare rate defend
appraise estimate select


Techniques

• Use divergent questioning to encourage higher order thinking skills
• Give students time to think about questions asked
• Pause for thought
• Think-pair-share
• Who wants to be a millionaire
• Probe - follow up answer to clarify understanding or develop ideas
• For higher order questioning - don’t reply with ‘that’s correct’.
– Try a ‘hmmm’ or a ‘um’ instead
• Be a Devil’s Advocate
• Take each thinking skills in order
– No point trying to evaluate without the basic knowledge


The Jigsaw Classroom

• Each student has one piece of the jigsaw of information that
comprises the whole.
• Each student must teach his/her group their material.
• Only by listening and contributing can each student get the whole
picture
– Each childs contribution is valued and vaulable
• Great reaction from students
• Team work
• Responsibility
• Understanding
• Independent learning
• Rising to a challenge


Variations in use

• You’ve inherited a bog-
– What can you do with it?

• Oil has been discovered off the west coast. It will generate €15
billion in revenue each year.
– How will you spend this money?

• A factory owners wants to build a factory in_______________.
• Teams representing
– Company; local politicians; environmentalist; local residents;
– Local unemployed; local businesses
– Decide and explain whether you are for or against the factory


Project Based Learning

• Teachers role is to be a facilitiator of learning
– Better participation
– More motivation
– Engages students in the learning process
– Encourages students to be creative and productive
– Not just doing what you want them to do
– Facilitates the students on learning awareness
• Set performance target
– Collaborative learning opportunities
– Increases pride in work
– Helps improve learning planning


Differentiation

• An approach to teaching in which the teacher provides learning
opportunities tailored to meet the educational needs of individual
students.
• Individual IEPs???
• In reality
– Bottom
– Middle
– Top
• groups


Key principles for Differentiation
• Learning Experiences are based on diagnosis of student readiness, interest and/or
learning profile,
• Content, Activities and Products are developed in response to varying needs of
varied learners,
• Teaching and Learning are focused on key concepts, understandings and skills,
• All students participate in "respectful" and engaging work,
• Teacher and students work together to ensure continual engagement and
challenge for each learner,
• The teacher coordinates use of time, space and activities,
• Flexible grouping ensures consistently fluid working arrangements, including whole
class learning, pairs, triads and quads, student-selected groups, teacher-selected
groups, and random groups,
• Time use is flexible in response to student needs,
• A variety of management strategies (such as learning centers, interest centers,
compacting, contract, independent study, collegial partnerships, tiered assignments,
learning buddies, etc.) is used to help target instruction to student needs.
• Clearly established individual and group criteria provide guidance toward
success,
• Students are assessed in a variety of ways appropriate to demonstrate their own
thought and growth.
• http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/siegle/epsy373/Tomlinson.htm


Differentiation Strategies

• Anchor activities that students can complete on their own
• Separate assignment instructions

• Class expert
• Class teacher for a day
• Upwardly mobile


Upwardly Mobile

• Must - all students expected to achieve this minimum
• Should - most pupils should be able to do this
• Could - only a few students will get to this level

• Outline activities from the top down and encourage students to aim
high
• Use different methodologies/activities for each level
– Students must be able to demonstrate their learning
• Lesson planning


Upwardly Mobile

• Requires independent learning
• Students can see where they are going!
• Prevents students wondering what to do when finished


Quick on the draw

• Quiz type activity
• 10 questions for each of 6 teams
• say ‘go’ member runs,
– get question, runs back,
• writes answer, brings it for correction,
– gets another question
• First to get 10 correct wins


Beat the Teacher

• Ask a question
• If correct waward one point - need 5 for a permanent point


Other approaches to lessons

• Make a model, prepare visual aids, write a passage
• Do some research
• Here are the answers, work out the questions
• Here’s one answer - come up with as many questions as possible
• Here a caption, draw a cartoon
• Here’s a cartoon, write a story, poem, piece of music, dance

• Instead of ‘write about a volcano you have studied’
– Try ‘Adopt a volcano’
• Report, video, animation………………..


Twice Exceptional Students

• Make sure the basics have been covered
– Giving the answers can be a good idea
• Try to play to the strengths of the TES
– Eg. AS students - maths, music, graphs, charts,
• Have simple, clear cut instructions, not too many
• Repeat if necessary and encourage
• Allow students to use a variety of materials and approaches
• Visual and hands on learning are important
• Allow a different time scale for work to be completed


Independent Study and Learning

• Independent study programme
– Identifying and developing a focus
– Developing skills in creative and critical thinking
– Using problem solving and decision making strategies
– Learning research skills
– Developing project management strategies
– Keeping learning logs
– Evaluating the process and product
– Sharing the product with an external audience
– Keeping a portfolio of results


Developing Research Skills

• Using a library index
• Using correct citations
• Referring to sources in text (foot notes, end notes)
• Using several sources to develop a report


Learning Centres

• Handy differentiation strategy
– Make sure it’s guided
• Useful for enrichment activities
• Learning Through Case Studies
– Case studies with a dilema or problem built in
• Learning through problem solving
• MENTORING


De Bono’s Creative Thinkning Skills

• PMI Plus, Minus, Interesting
• CAF - Consider All Factors
• C&S -Consequence and Sequel
• Bit like CAF only forward thinking
• OPV - Other Peoples Views
• APC - Alternatives, Possibilities, Choices


Assessment for Learning

• Most assessment carried out is assessment of learning (summative
assessment).
• A test or homework is corrected and students are given a grade.
• For G&T childrens’ work, grades are often pointless.
• That said, it is more important today for children to learn to study
independently, to acquire the skills to do so, and as they acquire
these skills, to learn how they learn.
• AfL is an assessment method that encourages this. AfL is diagnostic
and formative. It helps identify weaknesses in student learning and
provides feedback that informs a child about the strengths and
weaknesses of their work.
• This is not to say we should throw out summative assessment But
we need a balance between the accountability of the exam system
and the need of a child to develop their ability to learn


Using AfL

• The use of AfL requires several actions on the part of the teacher
• Learning outcomes needs to be stated at the beginning of a lesson
• They should be phrased in a way that focuses on the learning rather
than the doing
• e.g. instead of saying ‘we are going to make a poster’, say ‘we are learning
to know what makes a good poster’.
• Learning intentions can be phrased in terms of lesson outcomes
• Instead of saying ‘at the end of the lesson you will have made a
poster’, say ‘at the end of the lesson you will be able to identify
what makes a good poster’.
• Student should have access to the learning intentions throughout a
lesson.


Using AfL
• Students next need to know the success criteria for a lesson.
• In teaching, there are several techniques you can use to improve student learning.
• As far as possible and appropriate, use open questions rather than closed
questions.
• If a wrong answer is given, don’t rush to correct,
• ask ‘are you sure?’ or ‘how can you be sure?’.

• When asking questions, avoid the temptation to chose the student who will give the
correct answer. Even if we are honest with ourselves, we can still end up biasing our
student selection simply because it makes class function.
• One possibility is to reject ‘hands up’ as a way of choosing a student to answer a
question. Using a no-hands policy ensures that all students are more attentive
because the may be picked at any moment.

• There is still the chance of a bias in the choice of students so I use lollipop sticks with
students names written on them. This ensures the choice is random.
• It is important to give children time to think of an answer. And after they give an
answer, take time before you respond.


Other AfL aspects

• When writing comments, try to be encouraging. Give recognition for
effort.
• Comments should tell students what they got right and what they
have to do to close the gap between their work and the success
criteria
• Students should have the opportunity to reflect on their work and
their learning.


Collaboration

• Two minds are better than one

• Collaboration allows children to apportion tasks among a group so
that each member can contribute according to their strengths

• Discussion produces creativity
– Particularly good in problem solving exercises


Digression

• Two types
– Off-subject
• Useful in building relationships but keep to very small doses
– On subject off Topic
• Decide where it fits into the topic, otherwise move on quickly
• David and Kathryn Geldard
– ‘Counselling Adolescents’, 3rd Ed. 2009
– “a very common feature of adolescent conversation is that young people
tend to frequently digress from a topic of interest, talk about something
else, and then return to the topic………..we believe that, especially for
young people…….this serves a useful purpose. Because young people are
continually revising their constructs, they are often trying to grapple with
many different thoughts and ideas at the same time………..by digressing
they are able to deal with new thoughts without putting them on hold’

– For G&T children with faster thought processes, this may be heightened


Other activities besides chalk and talk

• Brainstorming and Brainwriting
• Discussion
• Artwork
• Music
• Journal keeping
• Field Trips
• Guest speakers
• Debates
• Video
• Demonstrations
• Action Research
• Interviews
• Surveys
• Oral presentations
• Role Playing
• Simulations


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