Full course description
About this course
Course Snapshot
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Learning Outcome 1: Analyse and evaluate Gagné's DMGT framework to distinguish between giftedness and talent, while critically examining and debunking common myths and stereotypes about giftedness and talent
- Learning Outcome 2: Describe comprehensive assessment strategies for identifying the diverse characteristics of gifted or talented students for implementing equitable identification practices using multiple approaches
- Learning Outcome 3: Recognise observable characteristics and behaviours that indicate giftedness across diverse student populations, including underachieving students and twice-exceptional learners
- Learning Outcome 4: Describe instructional differentiation strategies, including Universal Design for Learning and curriculum adjustments, to support diverse gifted learners in inclusive classrooms
- Learning Outcome 5: Synthesise knowledge of twice-exceptional learners and evidence-based approaches to address the complex social and emotional requirements of gifted learners, including perfectionism and underachievement
- Learning Outcome 6: Apply theoretical frameworks to develop approaches for addressing perfectionism, underachievement, and the forced-choice dilemma, while promoting healthy social and emotional development for gifted students.
This course is structured into six modules, covering:
- Module 1: An Introduction to giftedness or talent
- Module 2: Characteristics of Gifted or talented students
- Module 3: Identification of gifted students OR talented students
- Module 4: Instructional differentiation for gifted or talented students
- Module 5: Twice-Exceptional Learners
- Module 6: Social and emotional wellbeing of gifted or talented students
This course is designed for educators and community members who work with or support gifted or talented learners across diverse educational settings.
- Primary and secondary school teachers seeking foundational knowledge in gifted education
- School leaders, curriculum coordinators, and educational administrators
- Educators working in inclusive mainstream classrooms
- Learning support staff and teacher aides working with diverse learners
- Education students and early career teachers
- Community members including parents, carers, and volunteers involved in educational settings
- Professionals seeking to understand twice-exceptional learners
- Anyone interested in evidence-informed approaches to supporting high-potential and gifted students
There are no formal prerequisites required. The course is designed to accommodate participants with varying levels of experience in gifted education, from complete beginners to those seeking to update their knowledge with current research and best practices. The course content is presented in an accessible format suitable for those new to gifted education while providing sufficient depth for experienced practitioners seeking professional development. While not essential, participants will benefit from basic familiarity with inclusive education principles and classroom practice.
In each module there is a series of activities for you to complete in order to progress through the content. At the end of the final module there will be a course quiz that will measure your engagement and understanding of key concepts, knowledge, and skills from the course with a certificate awarded upon successful completion.
All activities are self-paced, and you can work through each module at your own pace.
This course is designed and facilitated by Dr Michelle Ronksley-Pavia, who is a pioneering researcher in gifted education. Her work is transforming understanding of gifted education and twice-exceptionality while creating innovative pathways for supporting diverse gifted learners. As Senior Lecturer in Special Education and Inclusive Education, and Program Director for the Graduate Certificate in Special Education at Griffith University, she is an internationally recognised expert on giftedness, disability, and the intersection of these domains. Dr Ronksley-Pavia brings critical perspectives to gifted education that promote inclusion and equity.