Gifted+Students+and+PBL

Gifted students already have many of the dispositions that are needed for expert-like problem solving. These include:

(Gallagher, 302-305)
 * 1) Capacity to build an expert's knowledge base (ability to take in facts quickly and remember them)
 * 2) Evidence of conceptual and abstract reasoning (looking deeper into the problem)
 * 3) Capacity for problem solving (carefully selects problem solving strategies)
 * 4) Possessing expert-like dispositions (knowledge that some questions do not have a straight forward right answer)

What does this mean for teachers of gifted students who want to use Problem-based learning? PBL is a great starting point for teachers to challenge their students, but it needs to be adapted some before it is appropriate for the unique learning needs of gifted students.

Modifications: (Gallagher, 310-317)
 * Make sure the PBL is using advanced content that will deepen the student's knowledge base
 * The concept that the problem is centered around should be complex so that students can look at deeper meanings
 * The problem should have interdisciplinary connections that the students have to figure out
 * Use of higher order thinking skills that promote reasoning, self-direction and critical thinking
 * Discussion of the ethical issues with the problem from all viewpoints

PBL Applications