Broadcast on March 20, 2021
Developing and Implementing Enrichment Clusters: A Great Way to Start SEM
Joseph Renzulli and Sally Reis
University of Connecticut
(Closed Captioning available in English and Español)
Description
Enrichment Clusters are an organizational component of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model that allows non-graded groups of students who share a common interest to come together during specially designated time blocks to pursue these interests. The clusters are designed for all students, and the goal is to develop and apply thinking and investigative learning skills, creativity, and collaborative skills to the development of a product, presentation, service, or performance that is intended to have an impact on a specific audience. The open-ended nature of the clusters and the availability of just-in-time information from technology resources allow students to function in the manner of practicing professionals, even if at a more junior level than adult professionals. Advanced level clusters are designed to provide high levels of challenge for high-ability students.
All teachers are involved, and they serve as coaches and “guides-on-the-side” rather than traditional presenters of information. Teachers explore possible cluster topics they would like to facilitate through the use of an interest questionnaire, and clusters frequently involve community resource persons who may have experience in particular topic areas. This session covers guidelines, professional learning activities, scheduling, examples of enrichment clusters in action, and several suggestions about possible cluster topics derived from our research.
About the presenters