GED1814

The psychology of the gifted child

Dr J M Deppeler and Ms L Kronborg

12 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* This subject is also offered by negotiated contract in the Graduate Certificate of Education (Professional Development Studies) course
* Prohibition: GED1622

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of concepts of giftedness, creativity and procedures for assessment of these characteristics in children; understanding of basic issues in counselling gifted children and their families; major approaches to education of gifted and talented children. Students should be able to critically evaluate research in the area and to have a detailed knowledge of a major aspect of the psychology or education of gifted children.

Synopsis This subject will focus upon psychological aspects of the development and functioning of gifted and talented children and adolescents. Topics will include psychological tests of intelligence and personality and problems in their use; intellectual, emotional and social development, and the interplay between creativity, thinking skills and the structure of intelligence. Other issues will deal with procedures for counselling gifted students and their families, problems in family relationships and problems arising from the existence of conflict or of disability in the gifted. Social psychological effects of ethnic factors will also be examined.

Assessment Critical review of published research article: 30%
* Case study or major essay: 70%

Recommended texts

Colangelo N and Davis G Handbook of gifted education 2nd edn, Allyn and Bacon, 1997
Kerr B A handbook for counselling the gifted and talented American Association for Counselling and Development, 1991
Silverman L K Counselling the gifted and talented Love Publishing Company, 1993