The invasion of the Giant Snails sounds like a science fiction movie title but in Florida~ it's very real. The giant African land snail has invaded the state and since they have no natural enemies~ the snails are causing quite a problem. As their name suggests~ the snail is very large...think the size of a rat. And~ the giant African land snail multiplies quickly. Just one female can produce 12~000 eggs in one year! The giant African...

Id like to dedicate my next few posts to the topic of problem-based learning.

It is certainly a method that motivates students~ helps them develop valuable how-to learn skills~ and makes learning relevant. Before I get into the particulars~ Id like to use this blog to share a true story illustrating the power of teaching through problems.
(Please feel free to share your stories of problem-based learning or post comments by visiting the Gifted/Enrichment group at...

I wasn't much of an athlete growing up. I hung around other kids who played sports, but I was never really good at any of them. Baseball, football, and soccer just didn't make sense to my body.

Take baseball for example. To me, the idea of failing to hit the ball was more anxiety than I could take. So I'd stand there...

I have to share this fantastic strategy with you.

It involves pre-testing your entire class~ allowing students to earn time to work on enrichment/extension activities.

Its an effective way to motivate students and provide them the opportunity to demonstrate what they know and work on perhaps more interesting activities. This method is also a way to offer enrichment opportunities to all higher performing students~ not only those labeled gifted. This way~ you eliminate any...