The research processes of gifted students: A case study

This case study investigated the research processes and authentic learning experiences of 10 junior high students as they completed independent resear ch projects in a class for gifted students. Students experienced the most d ifficulty in exploring and forming a focus. Although students used a variet y of information resources, they did not access some available information sources and, in some cases, experienced difficulty extracting relevant info rmation. The professional services of public and school librarians were not utilized to assist in the research project. Only 3 of the 10 gifted studen ts demonstrated all of the characteristics of authentic learning in their f inal products. Suggestions are made on how to alter the process to make ind ependent research projects produce more authentic learning experiences.