Myth: Students who have been identified as "gifted" are high achievers.
Fact: Gifted students are those "who have outstanding abilities, are
capable of high achievement, " but who may or may not achieve it.
Differentiated instruction is an excellent way to engage all students (including our high achievers).
Ideas for differentiating:1. Style: Find out what interests your students and let them explore.
2. Grouping: Use both ability and interest grouping. Keep in mind that groupings may change. Often we have three different groups of students in the classroom: one following the curriculum, one that is beyond the curriculum and one group that needs more help.
3. Allow for open-ended questioning and assignments.
4. Engage students in authentic problem solving.
5. Challenge.
6. Provide opportunities for choice.
7. Find the right books that are appropriately challenging and interesting to your students.
- Samanth Cleaver INSTRUCTOR March/April 2008
