Giftedness at UM

CPD Interactive Lecture: Giftedness at UM – Shining a light on bright students

Anke Smeenk, FHML

25 November 2024 – 13.00-17.00
1x 4-hour workshop on-campus at EDLAB

Description
Giftedness is not merely about being an ‘Einstein’ and having an IQ score >130. Among students as well as among teachers confusion exist about giftedness. There is no clear definition, while there are many assumptions about giftedness, like the idea that a student should only achieve high grades and never get stuck at university. In fact, giftedness is not only mental acuity or cognitive ability, but it is a set of characteristics, including also sensitivity, doubt and setting (too) ambitious bars. Although gifted students mention the same problems as their peer students, an extra layer of complexity is added because of these characteristics and this can influence their personal well-being and academic performance in a negative way.

Understanding of these layers by themselves and by the people in their environment like tutors/teachers/mentors, will support gifted students to develop and use their talents and learn them how to thrive in (academic) life.

This interactive training/workshop has two parts:

• In the first part we will explore the prejudices and pitfalls of giftedness together. We will ‘reframe’ concepts about giftedness and investigate why it is important that giftedness is recognized.
• In the second part we will discuss ways in which gifted students can be supported regarding different pitfalls they may encounter and we will dive into some helpful concepts and tools which can be used in coaching these students. Furthermore overlap of characteristics can be seen in giftedness on the one hand and several different behavioral and emotional disorders on the other hand, like AD(H)D, autism and anxiety related disorders. In this part we also will shine a bit more light on this topic.

Intended learning outcomes

In participating in this CPD activity, you will:

…have an alternative framework regarding stereotypical thinking about giftedness.
…have insight into the different struggles and associated underlying processes that gifted people may encounter.
…understand which aspects may support gifted students and how you as a mentor/tutor/teacher etc. can be of value in the guidance of these students.

About the trainer

Anke Smeenk is student adviser at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University and founder of ‘giftedness UM- Shining a light on bright students’. She studied medicine at Radboud University in Nijmegen, followed by the general practitioner programme in Maastricht. As student adviser, Anke met students who were struggling with feelings of being different because of their giftedness. That’s why she currently is following decided to attend the specialized Radboud International Training on High Ability, to become an ECHA-qualified practitioner in the field of giftedness. Her intended goals are to increase knowledge in this area and share her insights with students and employees of the UM.

Duration
1 x 4 hour workshop

PLEASE NOTE that this workshop are in English and planned to take place on-campus at EDLAB on 25 November 2024. You will receive the exact details in an outlook invitation prior to the event.

Activity full or can’t make this date? Then sign up for the waiting list and we’ll let you know as soon as this event is scheduled again.

Accessibility
At EDLAB, we strive to make our activities as accessible as possible and do our best to make accommodations when possible. You will have the opportunity to indicate any accessibility requirements after registration.

A note about the costs
EDLAB is currently offering all CPD activities free of charge. Please note however that we have paid to develop and offer this session together with the trainers, so if you sign up but cannot attend, we would greatly appreciate it if you could give us at least 5 days’ notice so that we can advertise your spot to others who may be interested. Cancellation without at least 5 days’ notice or failure to show up may result in your department being charged the full cost price.

EDLAB reserves the right to postpone this event should a minimum of 6 participants not be reached.