4.3.1 Embedding gifted education in regional pre-service teacher education
Giftedness is not a topic that receives much coverage in pre-service teacher education programs within Australia, particularly in regional areas. Very few universities embed core units in their teacher education degrees, and even those offering elective units are sparse. A lack of understanding of giftedness has been related to less positive attitudes, inappropriate provision, and lack of support for gifted students. This paper will present a range of research findings from a longitudinal project in a regional university in Victoria, Australia, related to attempts to increase awareness and understanding of giftedness and gifted education in pre-service teacher education.
Author(s):
Margaret Plunkett
margaret.plunkett@federation.edu.au
Federation University, Australia
Australia
Associate Professor Margaret Plunkett is the Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching) for the Faculty of Education and Arts at Federation University, Australia. Margaret has developed and taught courses in gifted education for which she has won a number of teaching awards including the Pearson/ATEA Teacher Educator of the Year (2012) and an Office of Learning and Teaching Citation (2014). Her main research interests include professional learning for teachers, engagement of gifted students and curriculum innovation. Margaret is an elected Australian delegate on the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, and Associate Editor of the Australasian Journal of Gifted Education.