Teachers and school administrators understand that there are a wide range of aptitudes and learning styles in each classroom. Students with high aptitudes are considered “gifted” or “talented” because they take easily to new information and skills, and they display a high degree of independence and intelligence. Because of this, gifted and talented students are at risk for not receiving the same amount of teacher attention or guidance.
If you are earning an online Master of Science in Education in Gifted, Talented, and Creative, you will learn how to encourage and challenge gifted students to help them achieve full academic potential. As a teacher involved in gifted and talented education, it is important to understand how to actively engage with gifted and talented students in order to offer them the opportunities to thrive in the classroom.
Teachers May Unintentionally Neglect Gifted Students
Sometimes teachers overlook gifted students for the simple reason that teachers are focused on helping struggling students. Since the introduction of some legislation, teachers have had to focus on those students who are underperforming, which means that gifted children do not receive the opportunity to advance early. Schools have become focused on boosting lower-performing students to scale the academic bar, but this is often at the expense of gifted students.
The Consequences of Boredom for Gifted and Talented Students
A lack of creativity in traditional classroom settings often bores gifted students, who are at risk of becoming disillusioned with the school system. They may become resentful of going to school or even choose to drop out before graduation. When a school offers gifted and talented education, teachers can challenge students in healthy, positive ways.
The Phenomenon of “Undermatching”
When gifted students do not feel challenged, they may choose not to engage in the educational system at all, or to engage at institutions that perform below their academic abilities. This means that fully qualified students are choosing not to apply to elite university programs, which has a huge impact on the overall ability, creativity and functionality of our workforce. However, if a school is able to offer gifted and talented education, students feel an increased sense of academic fulfillment and experience greater engagement with the educational system as a whole.
Candidates pursuing an online master’s degree with a concentration in gifted and talented will dedicate time to exploring topics specific to gifted and talented education, through engaging classes that clarify procedures, materials and issues specific to advanced students.
Learn more about the A-State online MSE in Gifted, Talented, and Creative program.
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