The Autonomous Learner Model
For the Gifted and Talented
By George Betts, Ed. D. & Jolene Kercher, M.S.
The Autonomous Learner Model (ALM) for the Gifted and Talented was developed specifically to meet the diversified cognitive, emotional, and social needs of learners. The model is currently implemented at all grade levels with the gifted and talented, as well as all learners in the regular classroom. Emphasis is placed on meeting the individualized needs of learners through the use of activities in the five major Dimensions of the Model.
Dimension One: Orientation
The Orientation Dimension of the Autonomous Learner Model provides learners, teachers, administrators, and parents with the opportunity to develop a foundation of the concepts of giftedness, talent, intelligence, creativity, and the development of potential. Learners discover more about themselves, their abilities, and what the ALM has to offer. Activities are presented to give learners an opportunity to work together as a group, to learn more about group process and interaction, and to learn more about the other people in the program.
Dimension Two: Individual Development
The Individual Development Dimension of the model provides learners with the opportunity to develop the cognitive, emotional, social and physical skills, concepts, and attitudes necessary for life-long learning. In other words, learners become autonomous in their learning.
Areas within the dimension include opportunities for the inter/intrapersonal development of the learners, the appropriate learning skills for life-long learning, and the area of technology. The learners also participate in college and career involvement, the development of organizational skills and the importance of productivity skills, which are used when information is presented in a variety of ways.
Dimension Three: Enrichment
The Enrichment Dimension of the Autonomous Learner Model is developed to provide learners with opportunities to explore content and curriculum that is usually not part of the prescribed school curriculum. The highest level of learning is manifested when learners have the freedom to select and to pursue content or curriculum in their own style. Curriculum differentiation by the learners begins with Explorations, where the goal is to “find out” what is out there. Become an explorer yourself and find new and unique knowledge in a variety of methods. The second type of learner differentiation is Investigations. These are more in-depth than Explorations and require the learners to design, implement, complete, and present a project with a mini-product.
Learners are also involved in Cultural Activities that are designed so that they are involved in cultural events in the community. Service activities are essential and are non-negotiable. The humanitarian spirit is incorporated into the ALM. Through participation in Service activities, the majority of the learners want to make this a better world.
Dimension Four: Seminars
The Seminar Dimension of the model is designed to give learners in groups of three to five opportunities to research a topic, present it as a seminar to the rest of the class and other interested people, and to assess it by criteria selected and developed by the learners. A seminar is essential because it provides learners the chance to move from the role of student to the role of learner. If students are to truly become learners, they must have the opportunity to experience guided independent group learning, by experiencing learning in a structure that promotes the development of new knowledge.
Dimension Five: In-depth Studies
The In-depth Study Dimension of the Autonomous Learner Model empowers learners to pursue long- term in-depth studies in their passion areas. Learners determine what will be learned, how it will be learned, how it will be presented, and what facilitation will be necessary by the teacher and mentor. These plans are then implemented and completed by the learners with presentations being made at appropriate times until the completion of the project. Final presentations and assessments are given to all who are involved and interested.
Dr. George Betts is Professor of the Division of Special Education, Area of Gifted and Talented, as well as Director of the Center for the Education and Study of the Gifted at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO.
Join us for the 22nd Annual ALPS Conference in 2007. As in previous years the Conference will be held in the spectacular mountain setting at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center. We encourage you to register early to reserve space for you and your team.
