MA in Gifted and Talented Education

Provides an understanding of the historical foundations of gifted education in the United States and the key philosophies that shaped the various programs. Students will become familiar with the cognitive characteristics of gifted children. Students will examine important issues and trends in gifted education. Students will compare quantitative and qualitative assessments that locations within Maryland use to define and identify those with gifts and talents and the ways that culture impacts identification. [ 3 credits ]

Examines the social and emotional well being of gifted and talented students. The role of families, communities and environment and the ways in which they address the needs of those with gifts and talents is researched and discussed. The learning styles of individuals with gifts and talents are discussed. [ 3 credits ]

Examines the ways in which curricula are planned and developed for gifted students. Attention is given to such issues as building a philosophical framework for curriculum, important design features for curriculum, scope and sequence, and unit development. [ 3 credits ]

Affords students the opportunity to apply previous course learning to in-depth study and discussion of those with gifts and talents. Students will read current literature on a variety of issues surrounding the identification and education of the gifted and discuss their findings. Students will identify one area of gifted and talented education, such as autistic gifted, learning disabled gifted, or musical and artistic prodigies, design and conduct an action research project and share their work in their schools. This course affords students the opportunity to gain greater knowledge about the Maryland State gifted education competencies. [ 3 credits ]

Serves as the capstone course in the master's program. Students must draw on what they have learned in previous coursework as they work in area schools with gifted and talented individuals. Students will observe, assess, plan, and teach the gifted and talented, strengthening their skills. Students will assess their personal abilities and attitudes in order to work successfully with the learners. [ 3 credits ]

Addresses appropriate strategies for best implementing curriculum for the gifted and talented. Course participants consider critical thinking skills, research techniques, and problem solving skills. Additionally, the nature of creativity is examined as well as ways to foster creativity. Technology is stressed as an important tool for the gifted and talented. [3 credits ]

Participants will explore psychological aspects of creativity and ways to nurture creative behavior in their students. This course will provide opportunities for graduate students to examine various theories and definitions of creativity and recognize characteristics and traits of creative individuals. Participants will learn about the creative process, various creative thinking srategies, barriers to creativity in the elementary and secondary classroom. This course is also designed to help educators reflect on their own creativity and practice effective strategies that increase creative thinking. [ 3 credits ]

Analyzes various models of leadership and explores societal and personal assumptions about leadership. Students investigate key elements of effective leadership and raise questions from several cultural viewpoints. Participants will be encouraged to integrate and apply diverse leadership perspectives in order to enhance their leadership abilities and strengthen their capacity to lead as educational professionals. [ 3 credits ]

Evaluates theories of learning from cognitive, physiological and affective perspectives as a basis for effective instructional practice. Research into the theoretical basis for learning and higher level thinking skills is applied to educational planning, implementation, and evaluation. [ 3 credits ]

This course provides an overview of the learning theories, best practices, and classroom application models involved with incorporating educational games and simulations into learning environments. The use of current and emerging technologies found in the gaming arena will be explored and documented for classroom application. This course brings together cultural, business, government and technical perspectives on developing and integrating electronic gaming techniques and technologies to enhance and enrich learning. Course participants will develop an understanding of the current trends (technical and sociological) in computer and console gaming, and what can be learned and applied from the world of gaming to positively affect teaching and learning. They will also experience an authentic creative process when they explore the game design process. [ 3 credits ]