Provoking change

Provocative questions are designed to motivate action or to bring about a change in perception or current response. They provide a focus for discussion or controversy, but they do set us thinking in ways that move us from where we are today towards where we want to be in the future. They reflect the need for an open, accepting learning environment. Independence, open-endedness and complexity are at the centre of the process. There are four components to the challenge of creating a change in perception.
• Defining the desired direction.
• Reflecting on the status quo and developing tolerance for ambiguity
• Recognising the authenticity of the challenge presented
• Taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Gifted Awareness week provides a starting point for thinking about where we want to go in supporting gifted learners. We have the opportunity to reflect on where we are at the moment. Current research and the students themselves are telling us that their learning would be improved if we were to create a more responsive child-centred learning environment in our schools that reflects the individuality, identity and culture of the student. It is time to put into place our resolutions and to take responsibility for the outcomes in a structured and reflective way.
Einstein was right. ‘The thinking that got us where we are today is not the thinking that is needed to get us to where we want to be.’ Our learning environment has become wider. We need to ask ourselves ...
What can we learn about ourselves by understanding others ?
How can one person make a difference ? (Note that this question is not ... Can one person make a difference ?’ There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that it can be done and gifted students are often the ones to show the way. If you can’t see the way yourself, then don’t get in the way of someone who can and does.)
Elaine.
For questions to use in the classroom visit www.thinkshop.org . The title to search for is ‘Provocative Questions... expanding horizons for thinking.’ By Elaine Le Sueur and Robyn Boswell.
For help to meet a specific student's needs, visit www.giftededucationservices.co.nz and find out more about the LSSNA (Le Sueur Student Needs Analysis)

The link to go back to Gifted Awareness week blog tour...
http://ultranet.giftededucation.org.nz/WebSpace/443