The problem-centered learning model for gifted students is described and applied to development of learning experiences that are organized around exploration of past, present, and future perspectives of trends, problems, events, and phenomena in the social sciences. Ways to use problem-centered learning in regular classrooms, special programs for…

Describes a New Zealand workshop for 10 gifted children (ages 10-11) that used computers to foster innovative ideas and provide opportunities for creativity and problem solving through independent and group learning experiences. The children brainstormed about the future and designed an original "MicroWorld" using the theme…

Describes a three-week, six credit, summer institute in New Brunswick designed to expose preservice teachers to the evolving understandings of giftedness and gifted learners. A survey of 25 participants indicates the institute was most successful in changing teachers awareness of giftedness and recognizing gifted learners' needs. (CR)

This action research study evaluated problem-based learning (PBL), traditional lecture, and a combination of PBL and lecture in an elective biochemistry course at a secondary school for gifted students. Lecture tended to wide content coverage, whereas understanding and retention was promoted by PBL. (Author/DB)

A third grade teacher followed the development of a peer tutoring program involving third- and fifth-grade study partners. The cross-age tutors included students representing diverse learning styles and academic achievement. Students were matched by personality. Cross-age tutoring was judged to be good for all the students. (SM)

The Classroom Practices Survey was conducted with 606 teachers of grades 3 and 4 in government, Catholic, and independent schools in New South Wales (Australia). Results indicated that teachers made only minor modifications in the regular curriculum for gifted students. Among recommendations are increased training for teachers in gifted education…

Describes a multicultural English course for gifted high school students in Canada. A tone of understanding and acceptance is set through appealing to students' own experiences in an interdisciplinary approach to world literature. Reading examples of postcolonial writings broadens student horizons and makes them more willing to explore a…

Describes effective aspects of a 4-day inservice teacher education program offered in the context of Britain's Brunel Able Children's Education center. Discusses the nature of higher ability in children, identification of ability, classroom strategies, and the role of questioning. Describes a learning project based on word explorations to…

An Indianapolis magnet middle school is successfully using mental models and multiple intelligences theory to guide collaborative professional development and equitable education. A curriculum originally developed for gifted and talented students is now accessible to all students. The program draws upon students' individual strengths across all…

This article discusses current research concerning issues in adolescent female talent development: grades in school, females' beliefs about ability, the effects of stereotyping, test score differences, career choice, and parental influences. (Author/CR)

This discussion of the use of expert performance as the basis for inferring assessment scoring criteria in evaluating student performance considers characteristics of experts and difficulties in use of adult expertise to evaluate student performance. The use of gifted students' performances as benchmarks is suggested as possibly providing…

A mother reviews the radical acceleration of her high school daughter who will enter college at the age of 14. She recounts both positive and negative experiences during elementary and middle school, the encouragement of individual educators, flexible scheduling to allow taking advanced courses at other institutions, and barriers of school system…

Five problem-based learning activities tested by fourth-grade gifted students are suggested. Each open-ended problem is intended to be worked on by a small group for 30 minutes. Student reactions are quoted and analyzed, noting that students became more willing to take risks, test the properties and limits of their materials, and learn from their…

This study compared the motivational orientations and metacognitive abilities of 143 Grade 7 intellectually gifted students in an Australian selective school with 133 average-achieving age peers attending comprehensive schools. Gifted students had greater confidence in their own control over successes or failures in school tasks, demonstrated more…

Discusses the role of creative arts in developing talent among gifted students. Talent development strategies using the arts are identified. Also describes ways that teachers can support collaboration among the arts and that parents can advocate and foster arts programs. (CR)