EDHA - Education - High Ability

This introductory course enables candidates to explore various trends and issues related to the history, definitions, characteristics, recent neuroscience findings, and the impact of societal, economic, and cultural factors on the field of gifted education.

This course is designed to promote development of a comprehensive understanding of the learning differences and characteristics of the academic and social-emotional needs of high ability learners from diverse backgrounds. Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency in differentiated classroom teaching practices that is culturally responsive, integrates technology, and fosters teacher self-efficacy.

This course is designed to assist teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the processes of creative and critical thinking for the purposes of practicing and teaching the concepts to high ability learners. Topics include the cognitive and affective elements of creative and critical thinking, the nature of creative and critical thinking, and the processes, strategies, and sample products which further creative and critical thinking for P-12 learners. Personal, professional development needs in this area are also considered.

This course provides practical information on how to integrate current digital media techniques into units, lessons, and self-directed projects in P-12 classrooms for high ability learners that also correspond to contemporary neuro-education research. Professional reflection on the use of digital media in student learning is required. Contemporary perspectives and examples of digital-friendly schools are considered.

This course is designed to promote development of skills in analyzing and applying legal and ethical considerations for developing and maintaining P-12 programs for high ability learners from diverse backgrounds.