Course Description
Psychological characteristics of gifted learners with an overview of empirical and theoretical literature in the field of gifted education.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
1. Facilitation of Discussion: Graduate students will
synthesize literature, present a brief executive summary of a
research article or chapter, and lead class discussion. This
experience prepares graduate students for presentation at
professional meetings of associations or in school districts.
2. Self-selected Gifted Education Project: Graduate students
will complete a culminating project (e.g., case studies, school-
based advocacy initiative, or action research) and integrate
theory and practice. This project allows graduate students to
demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions to satisfy
course objectives, and for professional purposes.
3. Reflection Paper: Graduate students will offer a critical
analysis of a current issue related to characteristics and
experiences of gifted children. A clear position backed by an
explanation of assumptions and beliefs and grounding the
position in research and current data are expected.
Athena Title
CHARAC GIFTED CHILD
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in EPSY 7110
Prerequisite
Honors student or fourth-year student status
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
I. Foundations of Gifted Education Students will be able to discuss the foundations of gifted education including history, theory, definitions, and controversial issues. II. Characteristics of Gifted Learners Students will be able to list the characteristics of gifted children, recognize their manifestations in diverse populations, and understand the effects of family, culture, and the environment on the development of giftedness. III. Professional and Ethical Practices Students will be able to recognize personal skills and limitations related to teaching gifted students, identify culturally appropriate behaviors for working with gifted students and their families, and access organizations and publications in the field of gifted education. IV. Identification of Gifted Learners Students will be able to describe and compare various methods of identifying gifted students including strengths and limitations of each. Students will be able to explain Georgia's method for gifted identification. V. Meeting the Needs of Gifted Learners Students will be able to incorporate knowledge of diversity factors and gifted characteristics to suggest appropriate learning experiences.
Topical Outline
I.Foundations of Gifted Education a.History of gifted b.Philosophies/Theories - What is Gifted? c.Issues in Conceptions/Definitions d.Federal Definition, Georgia Rule e.Equity versus Excellence II.Characteristics of Gifted Learners a.Cognitive and Affective Characteristics b.Advanced Developmental Milestones c.Effects of Culture and Environment d.Role of Families and Community III.Professional and Ethical Practice a.Personal and Cultural Frames of Reference b.Organizations and Publications c.Assess Personal Skills/Limitations in teaching gifted individuals d.Culturally Responsive Behaviors e.Respond to Family Concerns IV.Identification of Gifted a. Processes and Procedure for identifying individuals with gifts and talents b.Uses, limitations, and interpretations of multiple assessments in different domains V.Meeting the Needs of Gifted Learners a.Influences of Diversity Factors b.How academic and affective characteristics affect learning needs c.School and Community Resources d.Curriculum, instruction and management strategies
Syllabus
Public CV