What is a recommended instructional strategy for engaging gifted students?

Utilizing higher level questioning is an effective strategy for engaging gifted students because it encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and deeper understanding. Gifted learners often require more challenging material that pushes them to explore concepts beyond surface-level comprehension. By employing higher level questioning, educators can prompt students to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information, fostering an environment that promotes intellectual growth and curiosity. This approach aligns well with the needs of gifted students, who thrive on inquiry and the challenge of complex ideas, allowing them to take ownership of their learning and explore subjects more deeply.

In contrast, daily reviews of core subjects, while beneficial for reinforcing knowledge, may not provide the level of challenge that gifted students seek. Emphasis on rote memorization does not promote critical thinking and can lead to disengagement, as gifted learners often prefer to explore concepts rather than merely memorize facts. Standardized practice tests typically focus on assessing knowledge rather than enhancing it, and may not adequately address the unique learning preferences and abilities of gifted students.