Programme+Information

//Programme Information // toc

Wise Words from - Dr. E. Paul Torrance (The Founder of FPS)

 "To dream and to plan, to be curious about the future and to wonder how much it can be influenced by our efforts are important aspects of being human."

**Future Problem Solving** is a challenging academic programme which requires a high level of abstract reasoning. This needs to be recognised when implementing the programme in a school. Ideally three hours a week would be an optimum time investment; in reality, most coaches seem to have an hour a week with their teams. The NAGS require all schools to identify and cater for their gifted and talented students. Future Problem Solving, whilst not meeting the needs of all gifted and talented learners, can become an integral part of the provisions for gifted and talented learners in a school. FPS is excellent for providing differentiation. //Different models in schools have included:// **Community Problem Solving** requires a long-term commitment in terms of time and sometimes needs to be flexible. Most schools have run this as an extension withdrawal group. Some teachers use it as a whole class programme. We recommend that coaches have at least one year's experience with Future Problem Solving before tackling CmPS, although this is not essential. Community Problem Solving may be able to be included as part of the school's technology programme. The coach would need to be au fait with the document to ensure that the requirements of the curriculum are covered. The goals of CmPS align closely to the definition of Technology in the curriculum. **Scenario Writing** fits nicely into the English Curriculum.It suits the needs of gifted writers who are interested in the future and who enjoy science fiction.
 * withdrawal group - run by a teacher or parent,
 * extension group within a classroom
 * part of a gifted and talented programme
 * a component of one curriculum area
 * after school classes
 * part of the whole class programme (Stepping Stones Division in particular)

** PD **
Coaches Training Workshops are run in various parts of the country during the first term each year, usually on a Saturday. Facilitators are experienced FPS coaches and evaluators all of whom have attended the International Finals. The Coaches Guide, one of the resources that can be purchased from FPSNZ can be worked through with the team as you learn the process. The Stepping Stones manual which is free to registered teams also provides a practical guide to work through.

** Evaluators **
We have a nationwide team of evaluators. These people are mainly coaches, ex-students, retired teachers or outstanding senior students. The quality of evaluation is high and comprehensive feedback is given to teams. This is one of the strengths of this programme.All evaluators have received training at workshops or by mentoring. Coaches are urged to train as evaluators. The best way to learn about how the programme works is to become an evaluator. Several of our evaluation team have now evaluated at an international level. If you would like to become an evaluator, please contact us.

Is FPS good for all students?
Many of the creative, ethical and critical thinking skills in this programme are important for all students. The high level of reading, reasoning and abstract thinking skills required, particularly in Global Issues Problem Solving, makes it more appropriate for very able students. The skills which coaches learn through this programme are transferable across the curriculum and can have a profound positive impact on teaching. Some teachers working in the Stepping Stones Division teach the programme as part of a whole class programme.

Community Problem Solving may be suitable for gifted and talented students with a range of different abilities and particularly suitable for students who are well organised, committed and able to work well in a team.

Identification
Future Problem Solving is a programme which suits the needs of a group of gifted students, it is not the 'be all and end all' of gifted and talented education. It is an integral part of an enrichment programme.

If your school has a good definition of gifted and talented students and a school-wide identification procedure, you will already have identified your pool of gifted and talented students. From this pool you can further filter out your FPS students. Some schools merely use assessment test resuts. The danger of this is that you may miss those exciting, creatively gifted students who do not necessarily score well on standardised tests yet are ideal FPSers. On the other hand you may end up with some students who prefer to work in a narrow 'right answers' approach and FPS does not necessarily meet their specific learning needs either. For Primary and Intermediate schools, Overall Teacher Judgements can provide a strong indicator of students who would enjoy and achieve in FPS. Keep an eye out for students who would achieve 'Well Above' in the Reading and Writing standards, if such a level of achievement did, in fact, exist. Students who achieve 'Well Above' in the Yr 5-8 Writing Standards should thrive in scenario writing.

Community Problem Solving meets the needs of yet another group of gifted students.

In general, look for students who enjoy: Students with these characteristics who find teamwork difficult may prefer to register as individuals. DON'T FORGET THE 'WHY THEM' KIDS - THE CREATIVE, 'OFF THE WALL' SPARKLERS WHO MAY NOT WRITE ACCURATELY OR NEATLY.
 * Challenges
 * Taking risks
 * Being curious
 * Coping with ambiguity
 * Thinking creatively
 * Discussing 'meaty' topics
 * Imagining the future
 * Wondering about the world
 * Working in teams