If you teach gifted or high potential students, you know how tricky it can be to differentiate without doubling your workload. These students finish quickly, crave depth, and often need a level of challenge that goes beyond the standard curriculum. At the same time, you are juggling the needs of every learner in the room. No wonder differentiation can feel overwhelming.
Differentiation does not have to mean starting from scratch. Gifted education research has given us practical tools that make challenge both manageable and effective. One of the best is the Maker Model, developed by June Maker in the early 1980s as a way to guide teachers in designing curriculum for gifted learners (Maker, 1982). It is a clear framework that helps you adjust what and how you teach in ways that bring out the best in high potential students. Even better, you can use it across any subject without rewriting your whole program.
As you read, keep an eye out for the Maker Model Checklist I have put together. It is a simple one-page guide you can download to help you trial these strategies straight away.
What is the Maker Model in Gifted Education?
The Maker Model is a framework for differentiating instruction for gifted learners. Instead of creating entirely new lessons, it helps you make adjustments in four areas: Content, Process, Product, and Learning Environment (Maker, 1982).
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- Content (what students learn): Gifted learners need content that goes beyond surface-level recall. VanTassel-Baska and Stambaugh (2005) remind us that deeper conceptual learning is essential in keeping gifted learners engaged. For example, instead of just studying a historical event, students might explore the ethical dilemmas behind the decisions made.
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- Process (how students learn): Gifted learners thrive when they can ask their own questions, think critically, and tackle open-ended problems. Tomlinson (2017) emphasises that process differentiation is where many students experience the greatest challenge. Instead of lots of repetition, they need opportunities to investigate, experiment, and reason through complex material.
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- Product (how students show what they know): Gifted learners benefit from having choice and the chance to create something original. A worksheet might check for basic understanding, but products like a podcast, infographic, or prototype give them space to apply their thinking in creative ways.
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- Learning Environment (the climate of the classroom): This includes having access to like-minded peers, time for independent or passion-based projects, and a classroom culture that values risk-taking, creativity, and depth.
Think of the Maker Model as a menu. You don’t need to change everything at once. Even one or two small adjustments in these areas can make a big difference for your gifted students.
Why is the Maker Model effective for gifted learners?
Gifted and high potential learners often share traits like advanced abstract reasoning, intense curiosity, creativity, and a drive for independence. The Maker Model aligns perfectly with these needs.
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- Depth and abstraction (Content): Many gifted learners want to know the “why” behind the “what.” Giving them more complex and conceptual material prevents boredom and sparks deeper engagement.
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- Challenge and complexity (Process): These students thrive on problem-solving, creative thinking, and opportunities to wrestle with difficult questions.
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- Autonomy and creativity (Product): Gifted learners need chances to choose their path and express their understanding in original ways.
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- Supportive environments (Learning Environment): A classroom that encourages risk-taking, celebrates unique thinking, and provides like-minded peers helps gifted learners feel safe to stretch themselves.
By addressing these needs, the Maker Model prevents underachievement, boosts motivation, and supports the development of resilience and creativity.
Quick Wins: Fast Finisher Ideas and Enrichment Strategies You Can Try Tomorrow
Content – Differentiate what students learn
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- Big-picture lens: Instead of learning isolated facts about ecosystems, ask “How do ecosystems collapse, and what can humans do about it?”
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- Cross-curricular connections: In maths, link algebra to sports statistics or climate data.
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- Extension texts: Offer an advanced article or novel alongside the class text for students who want more depth.
Process – Differentiate how students learn
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- Open-ended questions: Replace “What is the answer?” with “How many different ways can you solve this?”
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- Inquiry choice: In history, let students design their own question. Instead of “List the causes of the Gold Rush,” they might ask, “What would Australia look like if the Gold Rush never happened?”
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- Thinking routines: Use prompts like “What if…?” or “How might this be different if…?”
Product – Differentiate how students show understanding
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- Creative replacements: Instead of a written summary, students could record a podcast episode, design a board game, or create an infographic.
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- Choice boards: Provide a menu of options. For example, “Show me what you know about fractions by teaching a mini-lesson, making a video, or creating a puzzle.”
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- Real-world application: Replace a renewable energy essay with a campaign to encourage the school community to reduce energy use.
Learning Environment – Differentiate the classroom climate
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- Passion projects: Allow 20 minutes a week for students to pursue an interest.
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- Peer connections: Pair gifted students for enrichment challenges.
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- Culture of curiosity: Create a “wonder wall” where students post questions to explore.
If you’d like ready-to-use activities, I’ve created Thinker’s Keys and Daily Challenges that fit perfectly as enrichment or fast finisher options. Many teachers use them alongside the Maker Model because they slot into Content, Process, and Product adjustments with no extra prep.
How do I use the Maker Model in my weekly planning?
The easiest way is to choose one small step. You might start by adding a choice of products in one unit, or swapping a closed question for an open one in maths.
A simple structure is Explore → Create → Share.
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- Explore: Students dive into a challenging idea, question, or resource.
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- Create: They use their learning to design, build, or produce something original.
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- Share: They present their thinking to peers, the class, or even a wider audience.
This cycle fits naturally into the Maker Model and helps you integrate enrichment without extra planning overload. Use the Maker Model Checklist as a guide while planning. It will remind you of the quick strategies you can weave into lessons
One small change makes a big difference
Differentiating for gifted learners does not have to mean rewriting your whole program. The Maker Model provides a simple but powerful way to adjust content, process, product, and learning environment so your gifted students stay engaged and challenged.
Start small. Pick one quick win and try it this week. Your fast finishers will be engaged, your classroom will feel more energised, and you will have a structure to return to again and again.
And if you would like support, grab the Maker Model Checklist and explore my Thinker’s Keys and Daily Challenge bundles. They will give you practical tools so you can start differentiating with confidence right away.
References
Maker, C. J. (1982). Curriculum development for the gifted. Rockville, MD: Aspen Systems.
Reis, S. M., Renzulli, J. S., & Renzulli, S. R. (2021). Enrichment and gifted education pedagogy to develop talents, gifts, and creative productivity. Education Sciences, 11(10), 615. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11100615
Tomlinson, C. A. (2017). How to differentiate instruction in academically diverse classrooms (3rd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
VanTassel-Baska, J., & Stambaugh, T. (2005). Challenges and possibilities for serving gifted learners in the regular classroom. Theory Into Practice, 44(3), 211–217. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip4403_5
