COURSES
Taught and Designed by Dr. Novak
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, 2017-PRESENT
Dr. Novak teaches a variety of graduate and undergraduate courses, both face-to-face and online. Descriptions of courses taught, as well as the new AIG program developed, are provided in the sections below.
AIG ADD-ON COURSES
Gifted courses taught through a lens of diversity and equity.
Dr. Novak wrote these courses in her second year at ECU; she proposed them to her department and underwent the university's curriculum creation process over several months. She created these courses, and one additional special topics course, as both undergraduate and graduate distance-education courses in gifted education. The narratives below are not the catalog descriptions.
Successful completion of all four courses enables students to apply for an add-on to teacher license through DPI.
THE DIVERSE GIFTED CHILD
FOUNDATIONS IN GIFTED EDUCATION
Fall
Giftedness manifests in some common ways, but yet is as diverse and individual as children are. This course offers an introduction to the nature and needs of the gifted child, with emphasis on both commonalities and rich cultural diversities of giftedness. Both academic needs and affective needs of giftedness are explored.
Spring
Gifted education takes on many forms and features. This course explores the foundational models of gifted education, including a historical view of the field. Assessment and identification in gifted education are also examined.
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES IN GIFTED EDUCATION
CREATIVITY, CRITICAL THINKING, AND PROBLEM SOLVING IN GIFTED EDUCATION
Fall
Curriculum and instruction for gifted students is the primary focus in this class, both in the creation of new curricular methods and materials, as well as in the core differentiation practices and adaptations of existing materials to meet the needs of AIG students in the regular classroom.
Spring
This course explores creativity, critical thinking and problem solving through two principal lenses: as teaching tools in the gifted classroom, and as communication and collaboration tools for the gifted educator. This course has a dual focus on both classroom application focus as well as teacher-leadership.
GRADUATE COURSES
Courses are part one of two Masters programs at ECU. Coursework may be part of the MAEd in Elementary Education or Middle Grades Education. AIG can be a concentration for the Elementary MAEd. Courses may also be a part of the MAT program, in which prospective teachers with BA degrees not in education enroll in a one-year full time Masters' program, with successful completion resulting in recommendation for initial licensure.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GIFTED EDUCATION
In-depth exploration of a facet of gifted education. Topics may include ideas such as international topics in gifted education; poverty and the gifted; and twice exceptionality.
​
Depending on the topic and content; this course may be substituted for one of the AIG courses for add-on.
PRIOR GIFTED COURSES
These courses were offered through the SPED department. Dr. Novak taught each of these courses, some more than once, before proposing the new course sequence.
Offered at the graduated level only; the cohort model started in the first summer, and students took a class in summer, fall, spring, and finished in their second summer.
INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING THE GIFTED AND TALENTED
Summer
An introduction to the education of gifted students emphasizing definitions, characteristics theories of intelligence, and theories of testing.
METHODS AND MATERIALS IN GIFTED EDUCATION
Fall
This course addresses major process and organizational models of education for gifted learners. Through the use of these models, participants will focus on adapting the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in content, process, and products to meet the needs of gifted students. Participants also will learn methods for instructional
planning and evaluation as well as strategies for best practices.
DIFFERENTIATED CURRICULUM FOR THE GIFTED
Spring
Student and program assessment and development of differentiated curricula for gifted students.
PRACTICUM IN GIFTED EDUCATION
Summer
Classroom experience with gifted students. Planning and implementation of instructional programs.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
Courses range from sophomore to senior level and
represent both elementary and middle grades programs.
INSTRUCTIONAL EVALUATION IN MIDDLE GRADES
Traditional and authentic assessment for both middle grades students and teachers. Practicum required.
University of Virginia, 2017-present
Instructor
Courses taught at the University of Virginia are in the gifted endorsement series and on an adjunct/as needed basis. As an Instructor, Dr. Novak is responsible for teaching the courses as developed by the full-time faculty at UVA, using the readings, discussion prompts, and assignments provided.
DIFFERENTIATION OF INSTRUCTION FOR GIFTED LEARNERS
Educators develop skills in implementing the practices required to address the academic needs of gifted learners in contemporary classrooms. Participants develop and apply approaches to modifying curriculum and instructional practices to ensure that gifted learners are challenged across a range of disciplines.