Aileen Alfonso

ED 110-09
Dr. Kallinga
May 09, 2006
Critical Paper
 Should Teachers
Have Instructional Approaches for the
Gifted Students?

I. Introduction:

Today there are a lot of schools that have special classes just for
the gifted students. Some are babied and some are pushed. Teachers tend
to treat them differently from the average students because of their
disability. Separate classrooms for the gifted students seem to be the best
way because teachers are able to work with them individually and have a
closer connection. Could it be that by having separate classrooms for the
gifted is not a good idea because it allows them to feel more comfortable
that it distracts them from learning?

II. Pro Arguments:

Well there are many different kinds of disabilities. Some are only
minor and are able to be placed in the classrooms with the rest of the
students. Other disabilities are too severe that it would be hard or if not
impossible to place them in the classrooms with the rest of the students.
Instructional approaches for the gifted is a really good way to have a one-
to-one with the student. It makes them feel a lot comfortable to make a
mistake without being judged or ridiculed by the average students.

III. Con Arguments:

Without instructional approaches it gives students’ with disabilities a

chance to work a lot harder on their own. Teachers’ having instructional
approaches is sort of like teaching them how to be robots. The down side
too, is the gifted will only learn what their told to do. It will not be
teaching them responsibility and initiative.

IV. Thesis:

I think that teachers should have instructional approaches to teaching for

those gifted students who are severe and need to be accommodated, rather
than all students with some sort of disability.
V. Support for thesis:

Like I mentioned earlier there are many types of disabilities and it

will be too much for one teacher to have all of the information about it and
be able to work around it. According to DSP, Disable Students Program
all students with disabilities have equal access to educational
opportunities. I agree with this program because it accommodates students
with disabilities of all kinds.

VI. Applications:

• I would get more information about the disability and make a

standard of how severe and minor it is.
• Place the severe into separate classrooms so it will be easier for the
teacher to accommodate them individually.
• Work closely with the parents of the gifted students to discuss
progress in the classroom they are placed.
• For the gifted students with minor disabilities and who are places
in the same classrooms with the average students, I would allow
study/tutor sessions and allow it for community service.
• Give rewards for those students who meet the standards, whether
gifted or average. Students are students and rewards should help
them with their motivation to excel.