Don’t be afraid to fall in love with something and pursue it with intensity and depth. Dr. E. Paul Torrance

Autonomous Learner Model

Background ALM 1970’s New Learner Colorado Directed Model Teacher Student Rebellion Teacher & Input

Profiles of Gifted Behaviors Type I – The Successful Type II – The Challenging Type III – The Underground Type IV – At Risk Type V – The Twice Exceptional Type VI – The Autonomous Learner

Three Levels of Gifted Learning ALM Learner Differentiated Teacher Differentiated Prescribed Curriculum

Major Aims of the ALM Have a positive, nurturing environment Build self-esteem Build self-motivation Encourage student independence Foster a love of life-long learning

Orientation Understanding Group Building Activities Giftedness, talent, intelligence, and creativity Group Building Activities Like “Night of the Notables” Familiarity with Opportunities Courses, Clubs, Events, School Trips, etc. Self/Personal Development 3-year Personal Education Plan

Individual Development Study skills Technology Career planning College exploration Organizational skills Difference between a student and a learner Difference between a teacher and a facilitator

Individual Presentation Enrichment Students learn how to develop their own content Participation in cultural activities, planning adventure trips, and community service Knowledge of educational products Editorial Diorama Web Page Survey Individual Presentation Interview Recital Power Point Group Presentation Choreographed Dance Debate Sculpture Questionnaire Mime Poem

Seminars Small group Two week prep time 30 minute presentation Possible focus areas include Futuristic Problematic Controversial General interest Advanced knowledge

Seminar Examples Futuristic Advanced Knowledge General Interest Problematic Controversial

In-depth Study Individual learner makes major decisions Mentor involvement Detailed proposal Reflective journal Presentation Evaluations

Examples Design a collection of original artwork in the style of Leonardo that describe major events in his life Design a collection of short stories based on integrating humans and robots

You – The Autonomous Learner Activity

I’d make the best book ever on If that were my project, I’d make the best book ever on how to draw all kinds of animals! I already know how to draw most of them!

Know, understand, take pride in, practice, develop, use, exploit, and enjoy your greatest strengths. Dr. E. Paul Torrance

References Renzulli,J.S.,Gubbins,E.J., McMillen, K.S., Eckert, R.D. and Little, C.A. (Eds) (2008) Systems and Models for Developing Programs for the Gifted and Talented. (2nd edition). Creative Learning Press. http://www.alpspublishing.com/about_alps.html http://youtu.be/tFJwJpgglXw