Make a Twist

Book excerpt: Make a Twist© is intended to assist teachers in the identification and implementation of appropriate differentiation strategies for gifted students. This can be done within the context of curricula activities and assessment tasks. The following strategies are complex and challenging, therefore appropriate and engaging for gifted and high ability primary and middle school students. Based on June Maker's curriculum differentiation model, developed specifically for gifted students, Make a Twist© provides outlines for differentiating curriculum using higher order thinking skills and problem solving. Modifications can be made to three curriculum-related elements in order to meet the specific learning needs of individual gifted students or groups of learners. According to Maker's Model, gifted students require differentiation in one or a combination of the following areas:  Content  Process  Product In order for successful learning to occur, gifted students also require an appropriate learning environment to be created. Educators are encouraged to place particular emphasis on the student-centered classroom where learner independence, acceptance, and open-mindedness is celebrated. Make a Twist© supports teachers to provide flexible environments for their students' learning, allowing for high mobility and the development of higher-order thinking skills, complex thoughts and abstract ideas. With the aid of Make a Twist©, the teacher acts as a facilitator to help the student select differentiation strategies and in doing so, encourages independent learning. Parental involvement is encouraged to build understanding and meet individual learning needs through specific forms of curriculum differentiation. When used in conjunction with a portfolio of the work produced, Make a Twist© provides a record of curriculum differentiation, where student talent is enhanced and recognised throughout the student's time in formal education. A balanced, well-articulated programme should include a variety of qualitatively different modifications to provide opportunities to challenge the gifted student. All of the differentiation strategies in this resource book have been identified as appropriate, comprehensive, adaptable, and practical for gifted students. It is suggested that specific strategies in each differentiation area, in conjunction with an independent learning programme, should be created to provide an overall education that meets the individual gifted student's learning needs.