CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS

Presenter: Deb Clark

“THROUGH THEIR EYES”: Preliminary findings: Perceptions from the GKP Alumni 2000-2007

It is widely acknowledged that gifted students benefit greatly from a continuum of educational provisions. Withdrawal programmes are one part of that continuum. However the degree of effectiveness of this method is difficult to ascertain due to a plethora of reasons including differences between programme goals, the curriculum delivered, educator awareness, knowledge and ability, financial support and parental involvement. These variables make effectiveness difficult to demonstrate and comparison not always relevant, which in turn provides challenges for those advocating the value of withdrawal.

This paper will include recommendations for future NZ based research and implications for practice by presenting the preliminary findings of a Masters research thesis. The research involved 174 GKP Alumni- past-pupils of the Gifted Kids Programme, a one-day a week withdrawal intervention. Data was collected through an online questionnaire and focus group interviews. Participants were directed to comment specifically in relation to their experiences and perceptions of the GKP curriculum goals.

Students who responded to the research predominantly voiced positive experiences about their withdrawal experiences and interspersed their responses with themes of self-confidence, opportunity, challenge, talent and like-mind. Student voice is often a forgotten perspective in programme review. This paper will advocate that it is a voice not to be missed.