Pulse on the Podcast: Recaps of Popular Episodes
Welcome to our blog series, 'Pulse on the Podcast: Recaps of Popular Episodes’, where we are highlighting the top 5 episodes of NCAGT’s 'They'll Be Fine' podcast. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of gifted education, featuring expert interviews, personal journeys, and actionable tips for educators and families alike.
At #1, with the most downloads, we have….
Preview HERE (sound bite from the episode!)
Listen to the full episode: E20-Brianne Hudak, M. Ed.-Motivation and Achievement
About the Podcast Guest Speaker
Mrs. Brianne Hudak, M. Ed., is a sixteen-year veteran of education serving in public, private, and charter schools. She is a passionate advocate of the gifted and talented. Her various roles include teaching the gifted, single-gender, PK3-5th grades, STEM/design engineering, theater arts, and global studies. She has also served as a curriculum and instruction specialist, mentor, dean of students, assistant principal, and K-12 leader. This episode focuses on Mrs. Hudak current doctoral pursuit in educational leadership focusing on combating underachievement in the gifted population.
In this episode, we dive deep into the overlooked and often misunderstood world of gifted learners. Guided by our host Hannah, we aim to dismantle the myth that gifted students will inherently be fine without the unique support they need to unlock their full potential. Joining us today are Alexia and Brianne, who bring their expertise and personal experiences to the table. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of this enlightening conversation.
Understanding Giftedness and the Excellence Gap
Alexia and Brianne start by discussing the mission of NCAGT is to bridge the excellence gap for high-ability students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. They emphasize that the ideas shared in the podcast are varied, reflecting the diverse perspectives of their guests.
Unique Challenges Faced by Gifted Learners
Brianne shares her insights on the barriers and challenges gifted learners face. She highlights the importance of teaching them processes and persistence, as they often struggle with the concept of moving directly from point A to point B. The conversation delves into the social-emotional aspects of gifted education, including perfectionism, boredom, and the feeling of isolation that many of these learners experience.
A Personal Journey in Education
Brianne recounts her own journey in the world of education, starting from her early aspirations to become a teacher to her current roles as a doctoral student, professor, and educational consultant. Her narrative underscores the significance of lifelong learning and the various stages of her career, from teaching second grade to leading a K-12 public charter school.
The Role of Motivation and Differentiation
Alexia and Brianne discuss the crucial roles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the achievement of gifted learners. Brianne provides practical tips for educators, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment, regular communication, and differentiated instruction that goes beyond just handing out extra worksheets. They explore strategies that can help identify and nurture the unique abilities of these students.
Overcoming Underachievement
One of the key points of discussion is the issue of underachievement among gifted students. Brianne asserts that about 50% of the gifted population is at risk of not reaching their full potential. They talk about the importance of fostering resilience, problem-solving skills, and a growth mindset to help these students overcome their barriers.
Practical Tips for Educators
The episode is packed with actionable advice for teachers. From utilizing flexible grouping and leveraging technology in smaller school settings to creating individualized learning plans, Brianne shares numerous strategies to support gifted learners. She also discusses the importance of personalizing learning experiences to keep students engaged and motivated.
Notable Research and Experts in Gifted Education
Brianne mentions several influential figures in the field of gifted education, such as Dr. Carol Dweck, Dr. Joseph Renzulli, and Dr. Sylvia Rim. She highlights their contributions and encourages listeners to explore their work for more in-depth understanding and practical applications.
Advocating for Gifted Learners
The podcast underscores the need for better awareness, professional development, and programming to support gifted learners. Brianne calls for further studies and emphasizes the importance of addressing the social-emotional needs of these students for their holistic development.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
In closing, Brianne and Alexia inspire listeners to take a proactive approach in supporting gifted learners. They stress the importance of advocacy and creating a supportive environment where these students can thrive. The episode ends with a call to action for educators and families to continue learning about and advocating for gifted and talented individuals.
Connect with Brianne
Listeners interested in diving deeper into the subject can reach out to Brianne via email at brianne.hudak@gmail.com or visit her educational consulting webpage at helpmehudak.com.
Conclusion
This episode of "They'll Be Fine" sheds light on the intricate needs of gifted learners, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for educators and other stakeholders. By understanding and addressing these unique challenges, we can help gifted students achieve their full potential and contribute significantly to society.
Brianne’s Research Recommendations
Dr. Joseph Renzulli - Three-Ring Conception of Giftedness, Schoolwide Enrichment Model Learn more about your free Renzulli Learning trial with your NCAGT Membership HERE.
Discussion Questions
How do you balance intrinsic and extrinsic motivation when working with gifted students? What strategies do you use to nurture a growth mindset in students who tend to have a fixed mindset? What approaches have you found effective in identifying and supporting underachieving gifted students? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Interested in Earning Professional Development Credit?
Please complete this form to receive your professional development certificate for the ‘They'll Be Fine’ podcast. Please note that NCAGT is not a credit-granting agency and therefore, we encourage you to check with your administration to determine if your participation will count toward continuing education requirements.
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