Learners with High Ability in Marginalized and Disadvantaged Contexts. (Research and Application)

Balanced research and practice

The symposium will explore findings and application for learners with High Ability dealing with issues of disadvangtage and marginalisation in four different contexts.The first Paper focuses on the use of formal academic langauge (or lack thereof) and the impact on testing results. An effective academic language programme, specifically targeting able disadvantaged students has been developed and is analysed. The second paper builds on the research of the above and is applied in a Dutch context. The project contributed to bridging the gap between these students’ cognitive talent and their current academic achievement.The third paper analysis how highly able learners from areas of high deprivation in Scotland adjust to, assert and maintain their position in the educational field. The fourth paper is case study of the impact of NGO STEMM Promotion Program in Kenya. The development, design, outcomes and impact of the program is analysed and explored.