This study examined similarities and differences in the perceptions of principals and teachers about the use of differentiated strategies for gifted learners and studied principals' perceptions about schoolwide differentiation. Comparisons of these perceptions have been undocumented to date. Participants included 867 teachers and 120 principals…

This study examined Finnish elementary school teachers' (N = 212) attitudes toward the gifted and their education. On a general level, teachers' attitudes toward gifted education were slightly positive. Teachers saw that gifted students have social value and that they need special services. The results of teachers' attitudes toward specific gifted…

This article focuses on research findings from multiple evaluation studies on the teacher use of differentiated practices for gifted learners that have implications for best practice in gifted education internationally. Research questions centered on what specific differentiation practices were employed with gifted learners and distinctions found…

This article focuses on cluster teachers' differentiation of their classroom instructional practices within an urban setting. Data were gathered from classroom observations of the learning task, questioning, and the classroom environment; ratings of observations using the "Classroom Instructional Practices Scale;" and interviews with…

Social cognitive theory emphasizes a dynamic interactive process to explain human functioning. This theory ascribes a central role to cognitive processes in which the individual can observe others and the environment, reflect on that in combination with his or her own thoughts and behaviors, and alter his or her own self-regulatory functions…

The author fondly recalls an elementary school teacher in Britain during World War II who provided a differentiated curriculum to her three gifted students while also providing individualized instruction to the rest of the class. (CL)

The use of independent study contracts as a method of individualizing educational planning for the gifted allows gifted students to pursue in depth a topic or field of study, to use outside resources when appropriate, to make decisions about the mode and media to be used, and to assume some responsibility for their own learning. (SBH)

This article suggests strategies for creating differentiated educational experiences for gifted students in regular classrooms and for monitoring individualized work, while simultaneously addressing the many other diverse needs of a heterogeneous classroom. Ways of circumventing some pitfalls of individualizing are suggested. (Author/JDD)

A group of eight gifted junior high students was presented programed units of psychology instruction based on Fred Keller's model of personalized instruction. Compared to a control group which received traditional lecture-format instruction, subjects completed the material in less time and scored significantly higher on the final test. (Author/JDD)

Differentiated instruction in speaking and listening skills for gifted students might involve an expanded range of opportunity, faster paced instruction, replacement of basic skills instruction with more advanced activities, opportunities for self-selection, individualization, and personal evaluation. Activities that emphasize cognitive and…

This article discusses methodologies for differentiating instruction for gifted students in regular social studies classes including curriculum compacting, conceptual thematic units, questioning strategies, interest development centers, independent study, and mentorship. Recommendations comply with performance expectations of the National Council…

A study involving six gifted fifth graders investigated the effectiveness of training teachers to differentiate for gifted students' needs by curricular adaptations. When the setting of goals was left to individual trained teachers, some chose goals that were easy to implement and had little or no real impact on instructional techniques. (CR)

Describes characteristics of mathematically gifted students and how teachers can identify, instruct, and assess such students through observation, conversation, classroom activities, and individual testing, using true mathematical problems geared for the specific student. Cross-curriculum indicators of talent, classroom structure, and…

Teaching students the methodologies used by practicing professionals can increase creative productivity, levels of understanding, and motivation levels of bright students. How-to books can be used to explain these methodologies, by serving a mentor-in-print role, introducing students to new topics and processes, or providing a supplement to the…