Increasing Opportunity: Using Problem-Based Learning as a Universal Screening to Identify Potential Giftedness in Middle School

• In Event: 56.070 - Means and Ends of Gifted and Talented Identification: New Developments

Abstract

Identification of giftedness is a complex and controversial issue within the field of gifted education. An established concern is the inequitable identification of gifted students among underrepresented populations of students. This session explores the use of Problem Based Learning (PBL) in seventh grade English classrooms to provide teachers a fresh perspective for identifying potentially gifted students, and then follows identified students to eighth grade treatment and control groups. When utilized in diverse and low-SES schools, PBL helps teachers close the opportunity gap by identifying additional students for gifted services. Data from the first two years of this multi-year research project will be shared, including teacher interviews, test scores, and engagement measures.

Authors

• Nancy Holincheck, George Mason University

• Anne Horak, George Mason University

• Steven Nagy, George Mason University