Gifted Underachieving Science Students

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the responsibility of educators to provide gifted students with special attention. However, the author also states that all students should be provided the opportunity to be educated in a community where their talents and potential can be recognized and nurtured. The paper provides research-based considerations which support an educational philosophy that fosters the innate curiosity of not only gifted middle-school science students but all students. The author contends that these considerations on the part of the teacher will help enable and inspire students to organize content knowledge, make observations, evaluate evidence, think critically, solve problems, apply knowledge within multiple contexts, work as team members and clearly communicate ideas.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What Is Science?
How Scientists Do Science
No Child Left Behind And Gifted Students
Preparing Students For A World Of Change
Case Studies
Case #1 - Albert Einstein
The Pestalozzi Method Of Instruction - Its Impact On Einstein
Case #2 - Charles Darwin
Darwin's Mentor
Findings From The Case Studies Of Einstein And Darwin
The Gifted Student: Reconsidered
Science And Learning
Science Learning And Teachers
Conclusions/Implications
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"As future doctors, geneticists, geologists, meteorologists, ecologists, and astronomers, young science students have the potential to improve their lives and gain personal satisfaction from a clear understanding of natural phenomena and its magnificence. Even those students who do not pursue scientific professions are in a position to make a great global difference by applying their scientific knowledge to voting practices and decisions as consumers. Therefore, science instructors should be responsible for ensuring that students gain a sufficient understanding of science necessary to make responsible decisions as voters and consumers and ultimately support innovative and analytical thought related to discovery. With this, it is the responsibility of teachers to recognize and address the talent that exists in their classrooms and to ensure that instruction fosters in students a desire to continue to learn and contribute to the world of science."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Clark, R.W. (1971). Einstein: The Life and Times. New York. World Publishing Company.
• Cloud, J. (August 16, 2007). Are We Failing our Geniuses? Time Magazine. Pg. #'s ?
• Darwin, Charles. (2005). The Autobiography of Charles Darwin. New York: Barnes & Noble.
• Davidson, J. and B. Davidson. (2004). Genius Denied. New York. Simon & Schuster.
• De Guimps, R. (2004). Pestalozzi: His Life and Work. (Rev. ed.). New York. D. Appleton and Company.

More papers on Gifted Underachieving Science Students:

• Analytical Essay # 115311 : "Gifted and Talented Students"
• Essay # 9685 : "GATE Students"
• Research Paper # 108862 : "Alternative Assessment and ESL Students"

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