Teaching Gifted & Talented Students

Introduction

Students with exceptional ability are frequently overlooked. Without the support they need, their gifts will not develop and they may not have the futures they were meant to have. This course will give you an in-depth understanding of the needs of high potential learners and equip you to foster and stimulate their learning, ensuring they flourish and achieve.

Course Overview
Course Content
Assessment & Award
Tutors and Support
FAQs

About the course

Students of gifted and exceptional ability are much more common and harder to identify than is often supposed. Often they can underachieve at school as a result of frustration or due to lack of stimulation. Their potential can also be masked by learning difficulties or disabilities. Developed in collaboration with a panel of national and international experts in gifted education, this course is designed to enable teachers and other professionals to identify and respond to the diverse needs of gifted and talented students

This course tackles the myths surrounding giftedness and offers evidence-based strategies, best practice approaches and innovative instructional techniques. While much of the emphasis is on students with advanced academic abilities, the needs of students who also have learning difficulties and those whose talents lie in other areas, such as those who are creatively gifted, are also examined. Summarising current research and best practice and wide ranging in its scope, this course offers a sound foundation to anyone interested in the education of gifted and talented learners.

Who is this course aimed at?

This course is aimed at teachers, SNAs, psychologists and others with a professional interest in high potential learners and gifted and talented education. It may also be helpful for parents who want more detailed information about the development and education of children and young people who are gifted and talented.

Approved by the Department of Education

This course is approved by the Department of Education.

Three EPV days will be allowed for primary school teachers who take the course during the summer term. Please note this provision applies only to the summer term as per Department guidelines.

This course has four terms each year, Spring, May/June, Summer & Autumn.

This course, which has been developed in collaboration with a panel of national and international experts in gifted education, enables teachers and other professionals to identify and respond to the needs of exceptionally able students so that they can excel in their learning and fulfil their potential. The inclusive nature of this course encompasses students with complex needs and advanced abilities across a wide range of domains and settings. From theories of intelligence and conceptions of giftedness to international models of provision, this course provides you with a comprehensive and detailed understanding of current issues and best practice in gifted and talented education.

Among the topics covered are motivation, underachievement, peer pressure, emotional and mental health issues, social relationships and dual exceptionality, i.e. gifted and talented students who also have a learning difficulty. Assessment and identification issues across the age range are addressed and you will become familiar with a range of approaches and evidence-based instructional practices for creating optimal learning environments, building resilience and encouraging a ‘growth mindset’. Drawing on the latest discoveries in neuroscience, and research on motivation, achievement, flow and wellbeing, this course offers a holistic approach to supporting the academic and emotional needs of students with high potential and exceptional abilities. By the end of this course, you will be able to design individualized support plans, differentiate effectively and create optimal and inclusive learning environments.

Highlights

Learn how to plan and develop a whole-school policy for exceptionally able learners.
Explore topics such as motivation, underachievement, perfectionism, peer pressure, social acceptance and dual exceptionality.
Focus on practical, evidence-based strategies to support learning, motivation and wellbeing and promote social and emotional personal development.
Learn how to apply best practice guidelines for effective collaboration with both parents and students.
Enjoy rich opportunities for collaboration with our online network of learners and tutors.
Save printable course materials and resources for future reference.

Interactive Learning Assignments accompany each module. Each student is also required to complete a Reflective Assignment as well as a CPD record.

On completion, you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development and a Learning Log of your work, which can be included in your CPD portfolio.

All of our tutors are expert practitioners with a specialist interest in gifted and talented education and will provide you with one-to-one guidance as you complete your studies online.

Technical support is provided by our dedicated team of qualified learning technologists, who are available to assist you by telephone or email.

Who are the courses designed for?

Our courses are designed for educators, special needs professionals, parents and anyone with an interest in special needs education or positive psychology. Our courses are particularly suitable for those who require flexibility and freedom in accessing professional education and updating their skills.

How long are the courses?

Our courses are 20 hours long, fully online and can be completed entirely at your own pace over the term. It will be possible to download each module and print it off to study in your own time offline if you prefer.

How often do you run the professional development courses?

Our courses run four times a year, in Spring, May/June, Summer & Autumn.

How do I enrol?

You can enrol online here or by calling +35316510618. Due to the self paced, flexible nature of the course we accept enrolments right up to 1 week before each term ends.

Do I need a high level of computer skills to take a class?

No, the courses are very user friendly and the skills necessary are quite basic and easily learned. We will be available to provide any technical assistance you need during the course.

What are the technical requirements for online learning?

You will need a computer with e-mail and access to the internet. Everything else you need for the course is provided though our integrated learning management system – this is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Who is suited to online learning?

These courses are suitable for people who have busy schedules but still want the opportunity to receive high quality professional development at a time that suits them.

What kind of support is provided?

We provide all the supports necessary to make this online learning experience a success for you. You will have access to our expert tutors who are available via email throughout the duration of your course during working hours from Monday to Friday. Technical support is also available through email and we can also be contacted by telephone at +35316510618.

How am I assessed?

Our learning management system logs all student activity online. This tells us if a student has accessed all the course material.

At the end of each module we ask students to contribute to an online forum for that module.

At the end of the entire course students are required to write a reflective assignment on the learning they gained from the course.

These activities are included in your 20 hours of study time.

Do I get a certificate on completion?

Following successful completion of your course you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development which you can include on your CV.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY:

"Before completing this course, I had very little knowledge of teaching gifted and talented students. I now feel my insight has been refined and I am better able to apply my teacher skill set to help these special individuals in the context of my own school."

Alaine Vicencio de Gomez