Introduction to Gifted/Talented Education

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Why take Introduction to Gifted/Talented Education?

This course looks at the historical and evolutionary research, theories, and philosophies for understanding the developmental and social-emotional needs of the more able child from early childhood through adolescence in educational experiences. It also looks at the characteristics of G/T learners in the intellectual, leadership, academic, and creative realms; asynchrony; stereotypes; comorbidities; issues surrounding the identification of G/T learners. Finally, we review cultural and societal influences on the field, and educational trends.

By the end of this course, students will:

• establish and effectively communicate their understanding of the historical and philosophical foundations in the field of G/T education; this includes major contributions to research and theories/models of G/T; current laws and policies affecting this field; issues within the field; cultural impact on field, including anti-intellectualism; and trends in G/T education. (GT1.1, GT1.2, GT2.4, GT3.1, GT3.4, GT4.1, GT4.2, GT5.1, GT6.2)
• know and develop an appreciation for the unique cognitive, affective, and asynchronous developmental characteristics of G/T children and youth within the domains of leadership, academic, intellectual, artistry, and creativity by (1) studying the role of culture and family’s influence on their development, and (2) critically analyzing the similarities and differences between the various domains of giftedness in comparison to the general population. (GT2.1, GT2.3, GT3.2, GT3.3, GT3.4)
• articulate their understanding of the academic and affective characteristics and learning needs of students with gifts/talents, including those reflecting cultural diversity and those with multiple exceptionalities. (GT4.3, GT4.4, GT5.3, GT5.5)
• synthesize and effectively communicate their understanding of the reciprocal influences of societal beliefs and the social-emotional development of children with gifts/talents, both interpersonal and intrapersonal. (GT4.3, GT4.5, GT5.3, GT7.1, GT7.2, GT7.3)
• evaluate and communicate the development of language in children with gifts/talents within the context of their family and culture. (GT5.4, GT6.4, GT7.1, GT7.2, GT7.3)
• critically analyze current research in the field of gifted and talented, and, will evaluate personal bias and practices in order to encourage respect for children with gifts/talents. (GT6.1, GT6.2, GT7.1, GT7.2, GT7.3)

Learning Topics

You have 3 to 9 months from your enrollment date to complete 10 lessons which have been broken into 4 learning topics:

Topic 1: Introduction to Giftedness

• • Lesson 1:  Myths of Giftedness
  • Lesson: Asynchrony: Early Development
  • Lesson 3: Characteristics & Profiles of GT

Topic 2: Types of Giftedness

• • Lesson 4: Identifiers of Giftedness
  • Lesson 5: Intelligence & Creativity
  • Lesson 6: The Emotional Life of Gifted Children
  • Lesson 7: Movie Discussion Leader & Critique

Topic 3: Giftedness in the Home, School & Family

• • Lesson 8: Gifted Families & Gender Roles
  • Lesson 9: Supporting Gifted Children From Home to School

Topic 4: Issues in Gifted Education

• • Lesson 10: Analysis Research Paper/Annotated Bibliography

Each topic consists of multiple lessons of varying length.  The nature of this course is student-centered, activity based, and uses a variety of instructional practices, including lecture, analytical readings, observations, exploratory activities, videos & critiques, written class reflections, and student research project-based outcomes.  The UND Blackboard System will be utilized for posting of syllabus, grades, and electronic communication. 

About Introduction to Gifted/Talented Education Course

Required Course Textbook

You do not need to purchase a textbook for this course. All readings and documents are posted in Blackboard.

How will the course appear on my transcript?

You may enroll at any time and have 3-9 months to complete this online course. The college credits you earn will be recorded on your transcript in the semester you register.

Why Take Online Classes at UND?

Here are a few reasons why you should take an online enroll anytime course at UND:

• Great customer service – Our registration team is ready to answer questions quickly so you can focus on your coursework.
• Affordable – UND's enroll anytime courses are priced at North Dakota's affordable, in-state tuition rate.
• Accredited – UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Easily transfer credits – Transferring credits is always at the discretion of the institution to which the credits are being transferred. In general, credits from schools/universities that are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission transfer to other regionally accredited institutions. UND's online courses appear on your UND transcript in the same way as other courses.

Flexible 100% Online Course

You'll take this online course at your own pace. Some students thrive in this environment, while other students may struggle with setting their own deadlines. If you have successfully taken an independent study or correspondence course previously, UND’s enroll anytime courses may be right for you. Still not sure? Take our online quiz to help determine if online enroll anytime courses are right for you.

Course information including tuition, technology requirements, textbooks, lessons and exams is subject to change without notice.