Gifted Education Resource Institute, Purdue University
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GERI: Gifted Education Resource Institute is a multidimensional center dedicated to the study, discovery, and development of human potential. It was founded by John Feldhusen in 1974 and is situated in the College of Education, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. GERI’s mission is holistic development of giftedness, creativity, and talent among individuals throughout their lifespan. This is accomplished through enrichment programs for talented youth, graduate programs for future scholars and leaders, professional development and coursework for educators, and ongoing research on the psychology of giftedness, creativity, and talent development. GERI faculty and staff work with P-12 educators in developing and improving services for gifted, creative, and talented children, as well as training school teachers and administrators in gifted education. In addition, GERI has developed several programs for talented youth. The well-known Super Saturday, a six-week enrichment program, was created in the spring of 1976. In 1977, GERI began Summer Residential Camps, aimed at providing a preview of college life to talented students. GERI staff and its caring instructors and counselors bring vast knowledge and diverse perspectives to its programs resulting in a history of unforgettable learning experiences at Purdue University.
Talent Development Programs
The Talent Development Programs at GERI help talented students explore their areas of interest in a college atmosphere where they study topics typically not offered in school. Together, students learn challenging content and create meaningful projects in which they apply their learning in new and relevant ways. Participation in GERI programs provides students in-depth and clear understanding of the fields they might like to pursue. Many students attend GERI Talent Development Programs for multiple years.
Summer Residential Camps
Every summer, for over 34 years, GERI has engaged gifted, creative, and talented students from across the country and around the world in residential camps designed to stimulate their imagination and expand their abilities. Students who have completed grades 5 through 12 live in campus residence halls, take challenging courses, and participate in engaging recreational activities. GERI offers three programs each summer.
- Comet, 1 week sessions: For students who have completed grade 5-6.
- Star, 2 week sessions: For students who have completed grades 7-8.
- Pulsar, 2 week sessions: For students who have completed grades 9-12.
The application process includes:
- Completing the application form.
- Creating a one-to two-page essay or alternative media (such as a Web site, PowerPoint presentation, or art portfolio) that addresses the applicant’s desire and motivation to participate.
- Submitting evidence of notable ability, achievement, or involvement in the areas of study as detailed in the program brochure. Such evidence can include grades, test scores, letters of recommendation, and awards.
Super Summer & Super Saturday Programs
The Super Summer and Super Saturday programs are two popular enrichment programs designed to meet the needs of academically, creatively, and artistically gifted students from Pre-Kindergarten (age 4) through grade 8. The courses include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, visual and performing arts, as well as original interdisciplinary studies. Super Saturday is offered both fall and spring semesters for six Saturdays, and Super Summer is offered week days during the summer for two, one-week sessions. Research on these programs found that students had positive experiences, learned new, above-grade-level concepts, and participated in interactive learning.
Unique Program Features
- Small Classes. These programs limit class size to 10 for early grades and 18 for later grades. Each student receives individualized instruction.
- Expert, caring teachers. The teachers are knowledgeable and excited about their subject matter and share this enthusiasm with their students. Teachers receive special training and ongoing support from GERI to help them meet the special needs of gifted, creative, and talented students.
- Challenging classes. The courses provide authentic, hands-on learning experiences as students tackle advanced content. Instructors encourage students to explore their interests and to engage in creative thinking and problem-solving.
- Enjoyable classes. Interactive and interesting courses provide gifted, creative, and talented students with the opportunity to interact with others who share their interests and enthusiasm for learning.
- Counselors and activities. Not only are students engaged in academic pursuits, but they also benefit from counselors who understand gifted children and who work with them during social activities.
- Diversity. Students from all walks of life participate in Super Summer, Super Saturday, and Summer Residential Camps. Purdue University’s strong international emphasis results in a wonderful cultural blend of students. Partial scholarships are also available for students in need.
Graduate Programs
Ph.D. and Master’s
The internationally recognized Ph.D and Master’s degree programs in gifted, creative, and talented studies attract students from across the country and around the world. Working closely with faculty scholars as mentors, students prepare for productive leadership roles in research, teaching, and program development. Funding may be available to support exceptional students pursuing full-time Ph.D. study.
Licensure
The accredited licensure program is available online and on campus for teachers interested in adding a high-ability license to their Indiana teaching credentials or as a certificate in gifted, creative, and talented studies for educators in other states and countries. In this program, educators develop the knowledge and skills to meet the cognitive, affective, and social needs of gifted, creative and talented learners. They learn to how to develop and differentiate curriculum and instruction; and they prepare for leadership and teaching roles in working with and developing programs for gifted, creative, and talented students
Research
The faculty and graduate students at GERI engage in cutting-edge research that informs and influences theory and practice. Some examples include:
- Total School Cluster Grouping Model
- Purdue Three-Stage Model
- Theory of Personal Talent
- Developing talent in the STEM disciplines
- Applying gifted education know-how to improve general education
- Understanding social and affective needs
- Investigating students’ perceptions of their learning experiences
- Studying twice-exceptional learners
- Recognizing and developing talent among underserved populations and in non-traditional areas
Professional Development
Faculty and staff conduct professional development related to their research using online, on-site, and campus-based delivery methods, engaging educators from across the United States and from schools worldwide.