The Case of a Self-Contained Elementary Classroom for the Gifted: Student, Teacher, and Parent Perceptions of Existing Versus Desired Teaching–Learning Aspects

Abstract

This study examined whether a self-contained gifted classroom meets the needs of its learners. Considering the existing and desired aspects, as perceived by students, teachers, and parents, it offers a unique lens forming a holistic in-depth view of the self-contained classroom. Forty-two participants took part in this study: 20 students, 15 parents, and 7 teachers. Data were collected via semistructured interviews focusing on the perceptions of desirable and existing aspects of teaching/learning in this program. Findings demonstrate positive student attitude toward being grouped with similarly able students, level of learning, interest, curiosity, and teachers’ approach. Parents were satisfied with the decision to transfer their children to this special classroom. Teachers were satisfied with the opportunity to work with this unique population. The study concludes that the self-contained classroom still prevails and caters to the needs of gifted students.

Keywords:

• gifted student perceptions
• parents’ perceptions
• self-contained classroom
• teacher perceptions

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hava E. Vidergor

Hava E. Vidergor, PhD, is lecturer of innovative pedagogy and curriculum design at two colleges of education and holds a PhD in learning, instruction and teacher education with specialization in gifted education from the University of Haifa, Israel. Hava also has developed a comprehensive multidimensional curriculum model (MdCM) focusing on thinking skills. She has presented a number of papers and posters and has conducted workshops in international conferences and published research papers in top gifted education journals. She is the initiator and coeditor of Applied Practice for Educators of Gifted and Able Leaners and coauthor of Enhancing the Gift of Leadership. She is an active member of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC) and currently serves as the Israeli delegate. E-mail: [email protected]; website: http://www.hvgifted.com

Lea Azar Gordon

Lea Azar Gordon has an MA in education from Gordon Academic College of Education, Haifa, Israel. Lea has specialized in teaching gifted learners. She has 20 years of teaching experience, 12 of which are as a homeroom teacher of a self-contained class for the gifted in elementary school. E-mail: [email protected]