Program Overview

Unit Overview

The unit EDSE412 - High Potential and Giftedness is designed to assist pre-service teachers in developing an advanced understanding of the characteristics and needs of students who display high potential and giftedness.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

Special Education is a challenging and dynamic area of education that requires high-quality differentiated teaching and personalized learning approaches. This unit aims to enhance pre-service teachers' understanding of social-emotional issues that can contribute to under-achievement and their role in differentiating curriculum for a strengths-based approach.

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will be able to:

• Apply a broad understanding of the definition of high potential and giftedness
• Present a clear and coherent exposition of the characteristics and needs of high potential, emerging abilities, and gifted students
• Demonstrate an understanding of relevant issues through a review of the literature of evidence-based practice and research in gifted education
• Critically analyze and evaluate current programs, making recommendations for improvements
• Develop strategies for collaborating with families and other professionals to enhance the support for high potential and gifted students

Unit Content

Topics will include:

• Definition, characteristics, and concepts of high potential and giftedness in students
• Diverse approaches to identification and assessment
• Differentiation, UDL, personalized support planning, adjustments, peer grouping
• Collaboration with families and other professionals
• Key issues and barriers affecting high potential, emerging abilities, and gifted students

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

The assessment tasks for this unit are designed to demonstrate achievement of each learning outcome. Students are required to complete all assessment tasks, pass Assessment Task 3, and gain an overall pass result.

Assessment Tasks

• Assessment Task 1: Case Study Reports (20%)
• Assessment Task 2: Literature Review (30%)
• Assessment Task 3: Enhancing Learning (50%)

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

The unit will consist of the equivalent of 150 hours of study, facilitating the application of knowledge, skills, and strategies. Learning and teaching strategies include a combination of online lectures, webinars, and other online activities.

Representative Texts and References

Required texts and recommended references are listed, including the Australian Curriculum and various publications on gifted education.

Credit Points and Year

This unit is worth 10 credit points and is offered in the year 2026.