How can you differentiate curriculum for gifted students?

3 Vary the process

Another way to differentiate curriculum for gifted students is to vary the process of the curriculum. Process refers to the activities and strategies that are used to facilitate learning in a subject or domain. You can vary the process by changing the pace, mode, or choice of the learning activities. For example, you can allow gifted students to work at their own pace, either faster or slower than the rest of the class, depending on their readiness and interest. You can also offer different modes of learning, such as individual, small group, or whole class, or different formats, such as online, offline, or blended. Additionally, you can give gifted students more choice and autonomy in selecting their learning activities, such as allowing them to design their own projects, experiments, or products.

4 Adapt the product

A third way to differentiate curriculum for gifted students is to adapt the product of the curriculum. Product refers to the outcomes and assessments that are used to measure learning in a subject or domain. You can adapt the product by modifying the criteria, format, or audience of the assessments. For example, you can raise the criteria for gifted students by expecting them to demonstrate higher levels of mastery, creativity, or originality in their work. You can also vary the format of the assessments by allowing gifted students to show their learning in different ways, such as through writing, speaking, performing, or creating. Furthermore, you can change the audience of the assessments by inviting gifted students to share their work with a wider or more authentic audience, such as peers, experts, or the public.

5 Support their affect

A final way to differentiate curriculum for gifted students is to support their affect. Affect refers to the emotional and social aspects of learning in a subject or domain. Gifted students may have unique affective needs, such as coping with perfectionism, boredom, frustration, or isolation. You can support their affect by providing them with guidance, feedback, and encouragement. For example, you can help gifted students set realistic and challenging goals, celebrate their achievements and efforts, and learn from their mistakes. You can also give them constructive and specific feedback on their work, and help them improve their skills and strategies. Moreover, you can encourage them to collaborate and communicate with other gifted students, as well as with diverse learners, and foster a positive and respectful learning environment.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?