The Impact Of Independent Investigations On The Engagement Of Elementary Spanish Immersion Students Who Are Gifted

The research question addressed in this project was, What is the impact of independent investigations on the engagement of students labeled as gifted in the elementary immersion setting? It documents the implementation of a Renzulli Type III intervention, independent investigations, and students’ levels of engagement before, during and after implementation. Data was gathered from student questionnaires, translated style inventories, translated interest surveys, individual student reflections and group exit interviews. Results indicated that during the study, students demonstrated levels of engagement similar to or higher than other gifted education strategies already in place. Students who utilized engagement and research tools provided reported higher levels of engagement and produced more complex products. The author recommends further research on how to best present academic challenges to immersion students who are gifted