CONNECTIONS+TO+OTHER+MODELS



There are numerous connections between the Enrichment Triad Model and other gifted educational models. The main theme that seems to tie every one of them together is the goal for every student to work independently and do research on their own. An overview of the Enrichment Triad Model and three other models that compare to it are listed below.

1) The Enrichment Triad Model – Developed by Dr. Joseph Renzulli and contains three different phases. The first phase exposes students to a variety of interests and topics and focuses more on surface learning as opposed to in depth concept teaching. The second phase allows students to work with partners and groups to help get more in depth in their learning and more importantly, start learning how to research and begin investigating concepts they are in. The third phase of the model is where the students finally stat to truly work independently where the teacher’s main role is to facilitate probing questions to the students and they in turn go research and study the concepts that most interest them as independent learners.



2) The Purdue Three Stage Enrichment Model – This model has a lot of similarities with the Enrichment Triad Model in the fact that it is a three stage model that progressively allows student to work more independently to develop a love of learning in them. The first stage focuses on basic divergent and convergent thinking which then transitions into more difficult but also more problem-solving activities in the second stage. At this stage, giving students direct instruction would not be allowable. The final stage is strictly independent learning as the students are allowed to research the concept of their choice while the teacher again serves as a facilitator of probing questions. This stage is defined by “the students’ own interest and knowledge base.” (Johnson and Goree, page 382)



3) The Self-Initiated Learner Model – This is a four stage model developed by Treffinger that, once again, has the goal of getting students to think, learn, and work more independently. The first stage, the teacher is the source of all learning and prescribes all learning activities for the students. The next level involves students partnering with teachers to help make decisions about what they want to learn and how they want to learn it. One level three, the student then breaks away from the teacher and makes their own choices about learning and carries out any activities that they choose. The final level involves reflection by the student and exploration of concepts that help create meaningful artifacts to assist in learning.



4) The Autonomous Learner Model – A five stage model that again leads students to independent learning. The five stages include orientation, individual development, enrichment activities, seminars, and then finally (big surprise!) in-depth study. The stages allow them to transition from learning about themselves and their learning styles, developing their skills, and then apply those skills to an independent project. The overriding theme that ties all the other models to the Enrichment Triad model is that the ultimate goal is to teach students to love learning by teaching them to become independent thinkers and learners. All four are great models and resources to use in the development of not just gifted students, but all students.