This reprinted 1979 article with a 1988 update discusses ways to help gifted children learn to competently manage and direct a substantial part of their own learning. It discusses goals for self-directed learning, developing the necessary skills, the characteristics of five different instructional styles, and resulting changes in student behavior.…

Suggestions for motivating gifted underachieving secondary students include independent study projects for credit, science fair projects, curriculum compacting, the use of adult mentors, and other approaches which emphasize building on student interests. (DB)

Interest development centers allow gifted students in regular classrooms to explore a variety of individually selected topics. Suggestions are offered for planning and implementing the centers. (CL)

The Independent Investigation Method is presented, a model developed to enable gifted students to grow in their independence as they move through a research assignment. The seven-step process guides elementary students from beginning to end in the research process, including topic, goal setting, research, organizing, goal evaluation, product, and…

A teacher in a multi-age elementary classroom including 16 gifted students describes an independent study project in which students used a variety of technological aids (such as hypermedia) to develop a presentation on their chosen topic and publish it on the Internet. Examples of forms used to guide students and evaluation criteria are offered.…

The manual describes the Autonomous Learner Model for the Gifted and Talented (K-12), an approach to helping students become problem solvers through divergent and convergent thinking. Among basic principles of the model are emphases on self esteem, social skills, student interests, and broad-based content topics. Each of five dimensions of the…

This article reviews the history of self-directed learning for the gifted and describes the Autonomous Learner Model (Betts, 1985) which includes a strong affective component, career development, and guidelines for a process-based scope and sequence. Guidelines are provided for developing independent study programs for gifted learners. (Author/CB)

This article discusses ways that sophistication can be incorporated into the curriculum to address the needs of gifted learners. Educators are urged to use questions, integrated curriculum, problem-based learning, independent and self-directed study projects, and mentor experiences to facilitate the exploration of ideas beyond the scope of the…

Five pieces focus on task commitment in gifted students. A discussion on assessment of task commitment is followed by articles from the perspectives of kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers and a parent. (CL)

Teacher intervention is often necessary to prevent independent study assignments from becoming lonely and threatening to gifted students. Active listening techniques can help teachers interpret comments that students make to gain peer acceptance or to mask their fear of failure. Students also need help planning, scheduling, and setting realistic…

This article describes the benefits of integrating technology into the curriculum including giving gifted students an opportunity to work at their own pace and ability level and to research independently. Internet usage is discussed, as well as using technology to reach out to gifted girls and gifted at-risk students. (Contains references.) (CR)

Describes a two-week instructional unit for ninth-grade gifted students which emphasizes development of ethical thinking and decision-making skills using a structured group-discussion methodology. Students formulate discussion questions through a multi-step process. Unit guide sheets, brainstorming examples, and activity schedules are included.…

Offers suggestions on ways to use computers to individualize instruction for gifted students including drill and practice, simulation programs, independent research, creative projects, organization of data, and development of presentations. (DB)

This article examines the effects of labeling students "gifted." Educators are urged to spend less time on identification and more on providing services, conduct ongoing needs assessments, allow students to self-select areas of independent study, and educate stakeholders so the label is not perceived as the access to services. (CR)

This manual is intended to guide the development of a primary grade gifted and talented program called Project EAGLE. The program focuses on lateral enrichment, higher level cognitive domain skills, creative thinking, self-directed learning, self-awareness and acceptance, and interpersonal relationships. Students complete assignments in…