Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - EDUC 428W D100

Nature and Nurture of Gifted Students (4)

Class Number: 11736

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 13, 2018: Sat, 9:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Feb 3, 2018: Sat, 9:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Mar 10, 2018: Sat, 9:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Apr 7, 2018: Sat, 9:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401/2 or EDUC 403. Students must successfully complete an SFU Criminal Records Check.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Conceptions and misconceptions related to the nature and education of individuals with extraordinary abilities will be introduced. Implications for teaching and learning will be examined. The nature and feasibility of curriculum differentiation, flexible pacing, and other educational options for these students will be critiqued. Grading will be on a pass/fail basis. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

In what ways are students who are designated “gifted” or have high potential similar to and different from their peers? And what do they need in their education to develop their potential?

Students in this course will examine definitions, controversies, research and practices surrounding the identification, development and education of highly able learners. Understanding these students as well as differentiating curriculum with and for them will be the major themes.

The course will involve a blend of face-to-face, online, self-directed and collaborative learning experiences. Written assignments based on assigned readings will be required for each class. This writing will become the basis for in-class activities with classmates.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students in this course will increase their:

  • Understanding of past and current definitions and conceptions of “giftedness”;
  • Ability to recognize highly able, gifted and creative students;
  • Ability to find, modify and/or design learning experiences appropriate for highly able, gifted and creative learners;
  • Understanding of the procedures and instruments used to identify/select students for differentiated programs;
  • Understanding of issues related to the education of students with extraordinary abilities.

Grading

  • Weekly assignments (interview, responses to readings, online discussions, etc.)
  • A Case Study of a gifted or high ability learner including differentiated learning activities
  • Growth Portfolio

NOTES:

This course is graded on a Pass-Fail basis.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students must attend all four of the full-day class meetings in their entirety (9:30am - 3:20pm) and pass all assignments to pass the course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Chapters and articles will be selected to address the course content and based on the needs and interests of class members. Links to them will be posted on the course website.

Chapters from the Tool Kit for High End Curriculum Differentiation (Kanevsky, L., 2015; free download will be provided)

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS