What instructional technique best fosters independent learning in gifted students?

Designing individual learning contracts is an effective instructional technique for fostering independent learning in gifted students because it emphasizes personalization and ownership of the learning process. Individual learning contracts allow students to set their own goals and objectives, plan their learning paths, and choose how they will demonstrate their understanding. This level of autonomy encourages self-motivation and critical thinking, as students have to reflect on their interests, strengths, and areas for growth.

By negotiating terms of the contract with the teacher, students become active participants in their learning, which helps cultivate a sense of responsibility and engagement. Individualized contracts can be tailored to accommodate various learning styles and paces, ensuring that gifted students are both challenged and supported in their educational journey. Ultimately, this technique nurtures independence, a key characteristic of successful lifelong learners, especially in gifted populations.