Gifted Education Commons^™

Exploring Etymology Assignment Description, David Wolff

Open Educational Resources - Teaching and Learning

The English language is a borrowed language, a blend of words from many languages from around the world. We see this in the various ways sounds are represented by letters and letter combinations. In transparent or shallow orthographies, there is high predictability and consistent letter-sound correspondence whereas in opaque or deep orthographies, there are many ways to spell the same sound as well as there are many sounds for the same spellings (Burkins & Yates, 2021; Moats, 2020). This assignment description is a guided inquiry for preservice teachers to explore the concept of etymology by watching and reflecting on six …

Virtual Learning Walks Assignment Description, David Wolff

Open Educational Resources - Teaching and Learning

Learning Walks are structured walkthroughs with the purpose of professional development and growth. Learning Walks include multiple people so that immediate reflections may occur through collaboration. In higher education, model classrooms are not readily available for preservice teachers to practice and apply coursework knowledge. Virtual Learning Walks are a creative approach to resolve this challenge. This assignment asks preservice teachers to watch a recorded lesson with the mindset that they are visiting a colleague’s classroom to observe them for professional growth. Students take notes during the observation then analyze the observation for their own growth.

Home Of The Brave Book Study Assignment Description, David Wolff

Open Educational Resources - Teaching and Learning

Individuals lead storied lives, and everyone has a story to tell. Our stories can be shared orally and documented in print. Often, learners are exposed to stories through novels and other trade books. Teacher educators may benefit from using the stories in novels and trade books as case studies in preservice teacher preparation course. This assignment description outlines how to use the novel, Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate, as a case study to contextualize and understand the lived story of an individual learning a second language and living in a new country. Through the novel, preservice teachers experience …

Fish In A Tree Book Study Assignment Description, David Wolff

Open Educational Resources - Teaching and Learning

Individuals lead storied lives, and everyone has a story to tell. Our stories can be shared orally and documented in print. Often, learners are exposed to stories through novels and other trade books. Teacher educators may benefit from using the stories in novels and trade books as case studies in preservice teacher preparation course. This assignment description outlines how to use the novel, Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, as a case study to contextualize and understand the lived story of an individual living and learning with dyslexia. Through the novel, preservice teachers experience the dilemmas faced and …

Unlocking Understanding About Giftedness, David Wolff

Open Educational Resources - Teaching and Learning

The goal of undergraduate teacher preparation programs is to prepare future teachers to work with all learners. Gifted and talented learners are likely found in every classroom regardless of where they reside, however, according to Rinn et al. (2022), Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Nebraska do not require undergraduate teacher candidates to take university coursework on gifted education. The goal of this presentation is to provide a general overview of gifted education specific to Kansas. This presentation aims to address myths and misconceptions about gifted education and gifted learners, characteristics of gifted learners, a basic overview of a general identification …

Language Learning Simulation Using Duolingo Assignment Description, David Wolff

Open Educational Resources - Teaching and Learning

It is likely that preservice teachers will work with students learning English as their second (third, fourth, etc.) language. For preservice teachers to better understand the language learning process, Duolingo was used to simulate the learning experience. The assignment description outlines how preservice teachers can reflection pre-simulation and post-simulation about what they learned about language learning.

The Apprenticeship Of Observation In Gifted Education, David Wolff

Open Educational Resources - Teaching and Learning

The ‘Apprenticeship of Observation’ is described as one’s perception of ‘good teaching’ as informed by our own experiences as a student observing teaching for thirteen years in a K-12 school system. Perception of gifted education is susceptible of the ‘apprenticeship of observation’ and often influencing teachers’ actions and beliefs about the needs of gifted learners.

Phenomenological Study Of Talented Young People In Ballet In South Korea, Kyung Hyun Park

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Talent development occurs throughout an individual’s everyday life in a complex, evolving, and dynamic way. Focusing on the developmental perspective of human talent, this study aimed to comprehensively explore the long-term learning paths of students majoring in ballet in Korea. Six research questions were investigated regarding individual talent profiles in ballet, psychological and social stressors, the role of family and home, peer relationships, educational environments, and socio-cultural context. This qualitative study conducted in-depth interviews with 20 undergraduates and 14 parents about the students’ experiences in ballet. Through reflexive thematic analysis based on a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, six themes emerged as …

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter Newsletter, Issue #63 January 2024

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Newsletters

President's message, Paul E. Read

Gamma Sigma Delta committees 2024

2022 chapter awards: The Honor Society of Agriculture, Gamma Sigma Delta

New members inducted

Annual dues notice, Robert J. Wright, membership Coordinator

Membership list

Membership renewal form

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter Outstanding Graduate & Undergraduate Student Award Fund

In memoriam: Dennis Lee Kahl (February 8, 1950-August 12, 2020); Col. Warder L. Shires (March 23, 1932-March 6, 2021); Dr. Leland "Lee" Julius Albert Volker (October 24, 1942-March 11, 2022); Richard "Dick" Dam (September 17, 1929-September 17, 2022); John W. Doran (November 12, 1945-November 30, 2022); Donald H. Steinegger (January 1, …

Academic Grouping And School Sense Of Belonging: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Of Middle School Student Voices, Kevin Cox

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

School sense of belonging is critical for students’ academic achievement and emotional well-being. The development of a sense of school belonging is influenced by direct and indirect factors within the school environment. Categorization into low and high achievement groups based on academics is a process largely outside the direct control of a student. This study employed an interpretive phenomenological analysis of interviews conducted with 17 seventh- and eighth-grade students about their belonging experience in a Midwestern public middle school. Experiences of students academically categorized as high, typical, or low achievers were compared and described in the context of three emergent …

Professional Development In Gifted Education: A Systematic Literature Review, Geraldine Townend, Jennifer L. Jolly, Adrian W. Chew

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This systematic literature review explored the importance of professional development (PD) for educators working with gifted students. Findings highlighted the need for PD to improve teacher knowledge, skills, efficacy, and student outcomes, especially considering the heterogeneously grouped classrooms, unique student needs, and lack of pre-service gifted education training for most teachers. The review identified key themes including PD evaluation, teacher perceptions, and pedagogical practices. The findings suggested that effective PD programs should (a) enhance knowledge and classroom practice, (b) be evidence-based, (c) consider both teacher and student outcomes, (d) be of sustained duration, and (e) include collaborative activities with ongoing …

Music And Perceived Stress: An Investigation Into The Effects Of Music On Chemistry Students' Perceived Stress Levels, Alice Young, Eric Malina

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Music has long been a prevalent intervention when trying to lower stress in certain populations (Thoma et al., 2013). This study aimed to explore the possible usefulness of music as an intervention for students experiencing stress in the chemistry laboratory setting. Students in general chemistry laboratories were surveyed regarding their stress at the ends of periods in which music was or was not played in their laboratory classes. While the results were not statistically significant, mean stress scores did lower in those groups where music was played. Further research into this topic should focus on type of music, the effects …

Exploring Perceptions Of Advanced Coursework Enrollment Practices: A Multiple Case Study, Tomika Ferguson, David B. Naff, Jenna Lenhardt, Amy E. Jefferson, Isaiah Moore, Andrea Herndon, Richard Ashburn, Jessica Harris, Jenna Conlee, Courtney Forstmann

MERC Publications

This report from the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium highlights findings from a multiple case study exploring enrollment practices related to advanced coursework matriculation in a suburban middle school and rural high school. In connection with the MERC Equitable Access and Support for Advanced Coursework study, this multiple case study included perspectives from students, parents, and educators as they reflected on the factors that support and inhibit access for advanced courses in their schools.

2024 Viewbook, Office Of Admissions

Viewbook

At IMSA, you will be part of a community of 652 diverse students passionate about learning. Located in suburban Aurora, IMSA’s campus consists of seven residence halls spread across 97 acres. While living and learning on campus, you’ll make new friends, encounter new ideas, and learn to live independently. You will also have the opportunity to explore over 85 clubs, organizations, and IHSAsponsored co-curricular and athletic programs. IMSA provides a safe, nurturing environment. Professional Resident Counselors (RCs) live in each hall and will help you navigate your home away from home through the Residential Life Curriculum. Through this curriculum, you’ll …

Values Of Gifted Specialists As A Professional Identity, Bailey Nafziger, Seth Kaesler

Georgia Educational Researcher

Educators of gifted students (gifted specialists) face unique systematic and personal barriers daily. While programs for gifted students are mandated in most states, including Georgia, implementation choices such as identification processes, delivery models, and teacher training requirements often fall on local agencies and budgets. Gifted specialists must have a strong sense of agency to advocate for their students and programs. This study contrasts the values, beliefs, and attitudes of middle-level teachers who have taught in an honors program and gifted specialists with a gifted teacher endorsement or certificate. The two expert groups were established to contrast how teachers who self-identify …

Honors In Practice, Volume 20, 2024, John Zubizarreta

Honors in Practice Online Archive

Guest Editor’s Introduction • John Zubizarreta

Remebering Ada Long

A Long Legacy for the Ages (Dedicatory Essay) • Jeffrey A. Portnoy

Keep Ada Happy! • Larry Andrews

Honors in Practice: Ada Long • Bernice Braid

Tribute to Ada Long • James J. Clauss

For Ada • Lisa L. Coleman

Memories of Ada—With Fondness and Admiration • Kevin W. Dean

Reflections on Ada Long • Joan Digby

Life, Love, Work, and Ada Long • Linda Frost

Insight, Sincerity, and Wit: Remembrances of Ada • Galit Gertsenzon

Giant Shoes to Fill • Devon Graham

Not All Heroes Wear Capes—Remembering Ada Long • …

Food And Culture, Brigett Scott

Honors in Practice Online Archive

A course on food and culture with several experiential components successfully encourages honors students to learn about new cultures and themselves.

Honors In Practice, Volume 20, 2024: About The Authors, National Collegiate Honors Council

Honors in Practice Online Archive

JUDY ALBAKRY serves as an adjunct professor and honors advisor at Middle Tennessee State University. She also coordinates the Buchanan Transfer Fellowship Program in the honors college. Her research specializes in student success initiatives, high-impact practices, transfer student engagement, and program assessment.

Interdisciplinary Cohort Building: Creating A Feeling Of Belonging And Sense Of Community In Honors Transfer Students, Shannon Pittman, Vanessa Miller

Honors in Practice Online Archive

Athens State University Honors Program implements an honors mentoring model for transfer students that aims to support transfer student completion of an honors project and improve transfer students’ feelings of belonging in honors.

The Honors Research Project: Embracing Intellectual Discovery Through Storytelling, Malachi D. Crawford, Chelsee B. H. Young, Kimberly Michelle Gay, Quincy C. Moore

Honors in Practice Online Archive

The Honors Research Project (HRP) at Prairie View A&M University develops critical thinking and creative intellectual skills to analyze, understand, and comprehend the project’s topics.