What strategy helps gifted students develop a strong sense of self-efficacy?

Offering a challenging curriculum is an effective strategy to help gifted students develop a strong sense of self-efficacy because it pushes them to engage with material that piques their interest and challenges their abilities. When gifted students encounter tasks that require them to stretch their capabilities, they gain confidence from overcoming difficult obstacles. This experience enhances their belief in their own skills, reinforcing the idea that they can succeed through their efforts.

The demanding nature of a challenging curriculum often involves problem-solving, critical thinking, and exploratory learning, which are crucial components in building resilience and independence. As students master complex concepts and improve their skills, they see their growth firsthand, leading to increased motivation and self-assurance in their academic abilities, thus reinforcing self-efficacy.

In contrast, a curriculum that is easily mastered may not provide the necessary challenges needed to build this confidence, as it may lead to feelings of boredom or lack of engagement. This can consequently deter the development of essential skills that are integral to self-efficacy.