Gifted and Talented Programs

Main Menu
Welcome
About Us
Contact Us
FAQ
Future Direction
Sitemap
Services
Programs and schools
Policy
Identification
Provision
Inclusivity
Monitoring and Assessment
Parents
Students
Resources & Links
Competitions, Awards & Scholarships

Autonomous Learner Model


An Autonomous Learner; by definition is "one who solves problems or develops new ideas through a combination of divergent and convergent thinking and functions with minimal external guidance in selected areas of endeavour." (Betts and Knapp, 1981)

Professor George Betts and Jolene Kercher devised The Autonomous Learner Model (ALM) to promote self-directed learning in gifted and talented students. The major goal of the model is to facilitate the growth of students as independent, self-directed learners, with the development of skills, concepts and positive attitudes within the cognitive, emotional and social domains.

The model is designed to move students toward the role of learners, controlling the learning process, with teachers adopting the role of facilitator. With a flexible approach the model can be used in the regular classroom (with all learners and across all phases of development), in small group settings, as an individual course, or in specific or cross curricula learning areas.

The ALM advocates the development of student's 'passion' learning - where the child engages in in-depth learning rather than merely covering breadth of a topic. A key focus of the program is lifelong learning, with emphasis placed on meeting the individualised needs of learners through the use of activities in the 5 major dimensions of the model.

The model consists of five major dimensions:

  1. Orientation - understanding giftedness, group building activities, self/personal development
  2. Individual Development - inter/intra personal understanding, learning skills, use of technology, university/career awareness, organisational and productivity skills
  3. Enrichment - courses, explorations, investigations, cultural activities, community service, excursions, camps
  4. Seminars - small group presentations of futuristic, problematic, controversial, general interest or advanced knowledge topics.
  5. In-Depth Study - individual projects, group projects, mentorship's, presentations, assessment of self and others

Betts GT & Kercher JK. (1999). Autonomous Learner Model: Optimizing Ability. Greeley, CO: ALPS.

Betts GT & Knapp J (1981) The Autonomous Learner Model: A Secondary Model. In Secondary programs for the gifted and talented. Los Angles, CA: National/State-Leadership Training Institute for the Gifted and Talented.

^ Return to top of page.

 

External web links

ALPSALM Classroom Strategies
Catholic Diocese of Ballarat, Gifted and Talented site provides a Classroom Strategies link outlining the ALM model in two fantastic articles; Facilitating Life Long Learners in the Regular Classroom and Mulitple Intelligences and Life Long Learners by Professor George Betts ED.D

ALPS Publishing
Home of the Autonomous Learner Model - ALPS provides the best materials and services for the development of autonomous, life-long, independent learners.

Night of the Notables
A fantastic strategy for middle-early adolescent phase gifted and talented students. The ALM outlines the strategy in its Orientation dimension.