Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizer

Robert Sternberg

Joseph Renzulli
How are they alike?

Sternberg and Renzulli both feel like multiple intelligences should be utilized to develop gifted behaviors.

They both feel that you must connect all areas to achieve and these areas must work together.
They both emphasize creativity and to integrate experiences to make them meangful.

They both feel that the environmental factors play a big role in developing a gifted learner.
They both feel that commitment and motivation are very significant.
Significance of Similarities

The most significant similarity that I see between Sternberg and Renzulli are the importance of
life experiences and the environment playing an important role in developing the gifted learner.

Sternberg

Renzulli

Puts more emphasis on the

teacher changing.

Has 3 main factors to develop

gifted behavior.

Feels children learn at a level

lower than their ability.

How are they different?

Task commitment must be

their for high achievement.

Has multiple criteria for

developing gifted behavior.

Emphasizes ability

Focuses more on school and

assessments in school.

Abstract thinking and performance

shows above average ability.

Significance of Differences

Sternberg is focused more on learning tasks in the school setting, whereas Renzulli is
looking at the whole picture of a student to maximize gifted abilities.

Interpretation

Theorists and Professors have valid information that can help us understand the gifted and
talented. Sternberg and Renzulli have great information to help develop the gifted and talented
learner.
From Advancing Differentiation: Thinking and Learning for the 21st Century by Richard M. Cash, Ed.D., copyright 2011. Free Spirit Publishing Inc., Minneapolis, MN; 800-735-7323;
www.freespirit.com. This page may be reproduced for use within an individual school or district. For all other uses, contact www.freespirit.com/company/permissions.cfm.

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