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

2. Autonomous Learner Model

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. Seminar Examples Futuristic Advanced Knowledge General Interest
Problematic
Controversial

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

14. 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

15. You – The Autonomous Learner Activity

18. 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!

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

20. 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.