Parallel Session Proceedings »
2.3.5 Infusing Gifted Education into Undergraduate Courses In Educator Preparation Programs
Pre-service teachers need to embrace appropriate attitudes towards all student populations including those students who are gifted. Webb, Gore, Amend, and DeVries (2007) reported that the development of a climate which fosters both academic and emotional needs of gifted children in public and private schools has not materialized. A review of the literature in the field of gifted education provided evidence that resistant attitudes of K-12 teachers prevail with respect to the supportint the nature and needs of the gifted historically and currently (Allodi & Rydelius, 2008; Crammond & Martin, 1987; Gagne & Nadeau, 1985; Lassig, 2003; McCoach & Seigle, 2007; Stephens & Riggsbee, 2007; Troxclair, 2013; Watts, 2006). The purpose of this study was to investigate pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards giftedness and/or their beliefs in the myths (Kaplan, 2009) associated with giftedness and to test a strategy for intervention which would help to mitigate the acquisition of such debilitating myths about gifted by aspiring teachers. Pre-service teachers in this study complete an attitudinal questionnaire, Opinions About the Gifted and their Education (Gagne, 1991), both before and after completion of modules dealing with early childhood education of gifted learners which were infused within a required course in their undergraduate degree program. Analysis of the pre-post data indicated that there was a significant impact upon attitudes upon completion of the modules. In this session the research study will be described and findings of the study will be shared. Additionally, the process for development of the modules and the content of the modules will be provided (including a sample course syllabus). Student discussion responses and assignments submitted will be highlighted. The course syllabus project of the Professional Standards Committee of the National Association of Gifted Children was the inspiration for this project. A complete reference list will be provided upon request and will be included in the handout.