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Nurturing Brilliance: How Challenge and Community Empower Gifted Learners (Insights from CTD and a Look at Gifted World's Approach)

Writer: Janani EswarJanani Eswar

Gifted children possess an innate drive to explore, create, and understand the world around them. Yet, traditional educational settings often struggle to keep pace with their advanced abilities, leaving them feeling disengaged and unchallenged. At Gifted World, we believe that every gifted student deserves access to learning experiences that ignite their passions and propel them toward their full potential. This belief is at the heart of everything we do, and it's a vision shared by our founding partner, the Center for Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University.


In a recent webinar, Dr. Susan Corwith, Director of CTD, shared invaluable insights into the unique needs of gifted learners. She emphasized the critical role of challenge and engagement in fostering their growth, noting that gifted students thrive when presented with complex problems and encouraged to think critically and creatively, when they are "challenged at the edge of [their] competency". As she stated, "...the space where the best learning takes place... comes through a combination of enrichment opportunities (getting a chance to dig deeply into subjects that may be introduced in school but aren't explored fully at their grade level) and acceleration in the domains where they have exceptional strengths or interests or a combination of both." . Dr. Corwith mentioned how schools often lack the resources or flexibility to provide the level of challenge gifted students require. You can see the full webinar here -




Susan's observation resonates deeply with Gifted World's mission. As India and the Middle East's only platform specifically designed to identify and nurture gifted students, we understand the critical need for enrichment opportunities that complement and extend traditional classroom learning. Just as CTD champions a comprehensive approach to gifted education, Gifted World is committed to providing the resources and support these students need to flourish.


Our free masterclasses and courses are designed to provide our attendees with challenges at the edge of their competency. We move beyond rote memorization and provide opportunities for deep exploration and critical thinking. For example, our recent Science course for grades 4 and 5 explored the concept of levers, by getting students to apply the principles of mechanical advantage to motion in the human body and medieval weaponry, transforming abstract concepts into captivating real-world scenarios.


Similarly, our Math course for grades 6-9 challenged students to use algebra to build a working clock, reinforcing mathematical principles while fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. At Gifted World, we believe in taking students on a journey of exploration, starting with fundamental concepts and then offering a platform for students to take the concept to higher levels of understanding. Our instructors are there to guide students on this journey.


But challenge isn't the only key to unlocking potential. Dr. Corwith also emphasized the importance of collaboration – bringing together educators, parents, and gifted students themselves. Gifted World is built on this very principle. We're an online community where these key stakeholders connect, share insights, and support one another.


We've witnessed firsthand the power of this collaborative approach. Over the past year, we have fostered a thriving community of learners. Students are now fearless and curious in our online classes, building friendships and supporting each other's learning journeys. We're incredibly proud of the positive and collaborative environment we've cultivated.


Dr. Corwith's webinar offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone invested in the success of gifted students. We encourage you to watch it and join the conversation. At Gifted World, we're committed to providing the challenge, engagement, and collaborative support that gifted learners need to thrive. Join us and help us nurture their brilliance!


Explore our upcoming masterclasses and join the Gifted World community today!

To know more about the programs of Northwestern Center for Talent Development, check out their website - https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/programs

 
 
 

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