Differentiating Virtually for Gifted Learners -- A Model

Within these times of Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning (because let’s face it...it is not really distance learning or virtual learning...we were thrown into this), educators are constantly treading water with all things, including lesson planning for students while trying to keep things running smoothly at home for their own children. (Oh...you need to eat again? For the 15th time? At 11 am?) 

Some of us may be finding it difficult to differentiate for our gifted students, especially as we navigate new platforms and delivery systems, and build a new plane as we fly it for all of our students. 

To help prepare a curriculum that is relevant and challenging, here is a model that could be used in any subject. It would allow students to synthesize information, use critical thinking skills and exercise creativity. You may want to try using this as an assessment for your current unit! 


The G.R.A.S.P.S. Model
G: Goal
Provide a statement of the task. Establish the goal, problem, challenge, or obstacle in the task.
Possible sentence starters:
Your task is to… The goal is to… The problem or challenge is… The obstacle to overcome is…
R: Role
Define the role of the students in the task. State the job of the students for the task.
Possible sentence starters:
You are… You have been asked to… Your job is…
A: Audience
Identify the target audience within the context of the scenario. Example audiences might include a client or committee. 
Possible sentence starters:
Your clients are… The target audience is… You need to convince…
S: Situation
Set the context of the scenario. Explain the situation.
Possible sentence starters:
The context you find yourself in is… The challenge involves dealing with…
P: Products or Performances
Clarify what the students will create and why they will create it,
Possible sentence starters:
You will create a … in order to… You need to develop a … so that 
S: Standards
Provide students with a clear picture of success. Identify specific standards for success. Issue rubrics to the students or develop them with the student.
Possible sentence starters:
Your performance needs to… Your work will be judged by… Your product must meet the following standards… A successful result will… 

**Note that it is unnecessary to use all or even any of the sentence starters. Generally one sentence starter can be used to write.

Good luck as you navigate these new waters and incorporate new and exciting strategies!

-Beth Fairchild, GT Coach and WATG Conference Co-Chair

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