By Kevin HuangA gifted past
Gifted education is something associated with the education of those who are considered “gifted” in different areas of expertise. Gifted education in Taiwan has been around for many decades, but how it is carried out has changed drastically. Back in the 70s and 80s, gifted education revolved around enrolling elite students within special classes that were academically better than other classes in almost every subject. These classes were home to the elites who were at the top of the school in terms of grades. It was expected of these students to excel academically and to get into all the best high schools and universities. What made them gifted was their ability to study better than everyone else in everything they came across. While that was the trend of gifted education back then, it has since strayed from the path of simply struggling for perfect grades. While challenging students academically at the same time, these classes also offer an opportunity for students to pit their minds against one and other and to discover different areas of expertise. Gifted classes are becoming more common among schools everywhere and they are a phenomenon pushing the minds of students everywhere. What is gifted education now? Gifted education nowadays is much more complex than simply nurturing students who are academically advanced. While academics is certainly still a big part of gifted classes, classes today offer extra-curricular activities as well as courses. I interviewed a teacher currently teaching in their language gifted program at HSNU (the Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University), one of the most prestigious high schools in the nation. Mrs. Lin, who has taught these classes for eight years, stated that “ the purpose of establishing the programs is to help students explore their academic potential” through “more in-depth materials and interactive activities.” By going beyond regular courses set up by the school, students are put under more rigorous programs that push their minds to new limits. Having enrolled in one of these classes myself, I was met with experiences that strongly differed from normal classes. We breezed through standard material quickly and left time for exploration in other areas. This strategy gave students the chance to tackle projects, stage performances, as well as research papers revolving around topics of their own choosing. Extra classes are also set up in order to broaden students’ vision. An example would be for language classes to tackle extra courses on literature and other foreign languages. While gifted programs used to focus on excelling in all subjects, today they are narrowed down to certain subjects. Throughout the nation we can see language gifted classes, mathematics gifted classes, and science gifted classes. This allows for students to pinpoint their interest on certain subjects and allows for deeper understanding and development. From nurturing jacks of all trade, these classes now develop masters within their chosen area of expertise. How has gifted education affected students? Just as important as the programs themselves are the students who are enrolled in them. But what makes these students different? How does gifted education affect their decisions as well as their pursuits? After talking with many students who have taken part in these classes, I heard both positive and negative opinions. The majority took part in these classes because of the potential to receive more resources from the school, meet brilliant minds of the same age, as well as experience interesting takes on the subjects they love. The effects of these classes were mostly positive. One student, Kelsey Chuang, currently a university student studying abroad, stated that gifted education introduced her to “seminars, workshops, and events that definitely opened up different options for the future.” Another student, Alex Hu, a student at NTU, said that his way of thinking was “reconstructed” and his knowledge “widened,” both of which he sees as beneficial to making decisions in the future. While all these opinions seem like sunshine and rainbows, there were also a few negative takes on the program. Paul Chuang as well as Kelsey Chuang addressed their concern that others in their age group might look at them differently. They believe that by enrolling in these classes a target is being nailed on their backs for stereotypical beliefs and higher expectations. David Chen, Alex Hu, and Rosemary Wang all stated that a potential downside to gifted classes could be that they are more focused on certain subjects. The change from the older system might limit their ability to learn in all areas. Perhaps we should think about developing gifted education further in the future. My experience with gifted education I personally believe that gifted education has more positives than negatives. My own experience has changed my choices ever since. I was able to take part in projects and courses that I would not otherwise have had the chance to experience. Workshops with artists, theater performers, as well as poets helped me find my love for literature as well as a passion for writing. Gifted education helped me find my interests and it also let me meet amazing people from the same age-group. With the meeting of minds and new experiences, gifted education was one incredible ride. It surely will continue to develop in the future and it will be interesting to see where it will take students next. a
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The Taida Student Journal has been active since 1995 with an ever-changing roster of student journalists at NTU. Click the above link to read about the authors Archives
May 2024
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