Abstract
The aim of this text is to challenge traditional concepts of “giftedness” and to explore ways of providing appropriate challenges for potentially able students. Part 1 (chapters 1–7) explores international issues with regard to the external factors that influence the perception of how the concept of “gifted” is generally perceived by society, which students struggle the most and what influence parents have in the matter of education.
Part 2 (chapters 8–14) examines teaching–learning issues such as maintaining learners’ motivation and developing their independence and confidence. The challenges facing tertiary education are also discussed.
Chapter 13 suggests 21 ways to shape a whole school culture: all the suggested processes rely on the cooperative interaction between teachers who reflect on their practice to make changes to enhance learning and teaching.
Chapter 14 presents a glossary of ideas to clarify terminologies and I particularly like the following quotation which refers to the attitude toward failure:
After all…. learning for each of us has always been a personal and an individual matter. Learning has delivered us to ourselves – who we are and what we have or will become, and this is what we hope it will do for those we teach. (Preview)
I thoroughly recommend this very practical text to students, teachers, and parents; and I also invite education officers, politicians, and curriculum planners to read it from cover to cover.