ELECTIVE COURSES
Taking a course in gifted education will make you uniquely qualified to work with gifted students. Learn how to identify the learning characteristics and needs of gifted and talented students, differentiate curriculum and learning experiences, embed problem-solving strategies into classroom instructional practices, promote student creativity and critical thinking, and meet the social and emotional needs of gifted and talented students.
EPSY 5710- Introduction to Gifted Education and Talent Development
- identify major contributors and their contributions to the field of gifted education
- identify major theories of intelligence
- compare and contrast perspectives of giftedness
- describe characteristics of gifted students
- learn identification procedures and considerations for identifying students from underserved populations
- explore programming options for highly able learners
EPSY 5720- Developing Schoolwide Enrichment Programs
This course will focus on the philosophy and work of Joseph Renzulli and his conception of giftedness as creative productivity, as well as efforts to promote enrichment for all learners across a school.
- Explore in-depth Renzulli’s model and framework for talent development and curriculum modification and differentiation
- Learn how to implement a classroom-based or school-based enrichment and talent development program.
EPSY 5740- Strategies for Differentiating the Grade Level Curriculum
This course will outline instructional and managerial techniques used to address the individual learning needs, strengths, styles, and preferences of students in a classroom. Emphasis will be placed on differentiation strategies that improve student achievement through the use of instructional strategies targeting large groups, small groups, and individuals.
EPSY 5750- Enhancing Creativity in the Classroom
The major purpose of this course is to study the theoretical and practical aspects of creativity—what creativity is and how we develop it in ourselves and in our students.
- Learn techniques for stimulating creative thinking
- Overview the major definitions, theories, and research on creativity
- Learn to assess creative thinking
EPSY 5760- Improving Students’ Thinking Skills
Whether in professional careers or in daily life, contemporary society is increasingly in need of individuals proficient at problem solving skills, critical reasoning, creativity, and analysis. Because society needs citizens with these skills, as educators it is our responsibility to nurture and develop these capabilities in our students. Prepare to be both role models of such thinking and developers of such skills in students.
When will these courses be offered?
| Course | Semester | Live/Online |
EPSY 5710- Introduction to Gifted Education and Talent Development |
Summer 2017
Fall 2017 |
Live
Online |
EPSY 5720- Developing Schoolwide Enrichment Programs |
Summer 2017
Spring 2018 |
Live
Online |
EPSY 5740- Strategies for Differentiating the Grade Level Curriculum |
Summer 2017
Fall 2017 |
Online
Live |
EPSY 5750- Enhancing Creativity in the Classroom |
Spring 2018 (subject to change) | Live |
EPSY 5760- Improving Students’ Thinking Skills |
Spring 2018 (subject to change) | Online |
**For more information, contact the Program Coordinator Dr. Catherine Little at catherine.little@uconn.edu.