This conversation with Joe Renzulli begins by exploring the length of time Renzulli has been involved with gifted education; when his first paper was published; the general tone of gifted education in the U.S. when Renzulli began his career; and the origin of Renzulli's "three-ring conxeptualization." Additionally, Renzulli is asked to…

This pilot study investigated how engagement with computer games and TV exposure may affect behaviors of gifted students. We also compared behavioral and cognitive profiles of twice-exceptional students and children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Gifted students were divided into those with behavioral problems and those…

This paper addresses the question of spirituality in a religious setting, and prayer as an expression of ultimate values, as a discipline which inspires empathy, as an instrument for connecting us with nature, and as a compass pointing us toward God, meaning, and purpose. Spirituality in the general education setting will also be discussed, as…

Thinking outside of the box is a standard cliche for creativity. Yet an awareness of the boxed nature of new media can empower young students to think creatively about design. This article is a reflection of one teacher who led a group of young students in a series of lessons based on basic design principles related to technology. It is based on…

What is, or should be, the role of ethics in giftedness? In this article, I consider why ethical behavior is much harder to come by than one would expect. Ethical behavior requires completion of a series of eight steps to action, the failure of any one of which may result in a person, even one who is ethically well trained, to act in a manner that…

The paper outlines how the principles of the "Thinking Actively in a Social Context" (TASC) model have been adopted to provide an extension program through Telematics, which delivers lessons to remote sites using teleconferencing equipment, fax machines, and computers linked by modems. Describes use of the TASC model for remote…

A study examined the transcript of a group enquiry conducted according to the practice of philosophical enquiry with eight gifted children (ages 8-12). Use of a central metaphor was seen to play the role of a "conceptual playground," permitting the children to exercise both their imagination and their reasoning abilities. (Contains references.)…

This article describes the "Thinking Actively in a Social Context" (TASC) strategy of problem solving and reports on a study that demonstrated its effectiveness with 2 groups of 10 students (ages 7 and 8). TASC uses cooperative learning and emphasizes positive self-concept, the development of an internal locus of control, and use of real-life…

Discussion of why many experimental educational programs seem promising initially but disappointing when widely applied leads to detailed examination of the concept of "explanation." A proposed model for planning classroom work involves: (1) focusing students on the nature of the problem; (2) orienting pupils to a theoretical construct; and (3)…

This article discusses preparing able learners for the technologically dynamic future by teaching High Thinking Processes (HTP). It describes components of HTP and four main elements for developing HTP: well organized and justified curricula with appropriate tasks; metacognitive teaching; learning communities and challenging environments; and…

This article discusses how to recognize young gifted children (ages 5-8), gifted education, and issues for teachers. Educators are urged to enable students to make their thinking visible, allow autonomy in learning, allow for imagination and time for deep level thinking, challenge able children, and help children to be self-critical. (Contains 4…

This article describes the High/Scope Cognitively Oriented Pre-School Curriculum that recognizes that the power to learn resides in the child and focuses on active learning practices. It discusses child-initiated learning, key skills for thinking, key concepts involved in teaching thinking skills, and activities that support the development of…

Reviews the literature and argues that children need to be taught a range of television thinking skills if they are to use the medium as an educating force over which they have control and discernment. Argues that television can be a powerful tool in the development and application of thinking skills of all children, including gifted and talented…

This article describes "Thinking Actively in a Social Context," a multiphase model to assist in the development of problem-solving courses based on student needs and experiences. An example of such an interdisciplinary course (simulating a new settlement on another planet) for high ability children in grades five, six, and seven is detailed. (DB)

The study investigated two levels of learning choice and control with 150 gifted South African students (grades 6-8) exposed to the Cognitive Research Trust (CORT) thinking skills program (prestructured) or the Integrated Education Model program (flexibly structured). Results suggested both programs affected locus of control and creativity but not…