Enrichment Clusters: A Practical Plan for Real-World, Student-Driven Learning

by Sally M. Reis, Joseph S. Renzulli, Marcia Gentry

Enrichment clusters engage students and facilitators in student-driven, real-world learning experiences. Grouped by interest, students working like practicing professionals apply advanced content and methods to develop products and services for authentic audiences. Clusters are scheduled during the school day over an extended period of time and involve all students.

This updated second edition of Enrichment Clusters provides the rationale for including this important enrichment program for all students, suggestions for creating buy-in, and a step-by-step guide for successful implementation of a self-sustaining enrichment cluster program within the context of specific schools. Included are staff development activities, suggestions for evaluation and program improvement, guidelines for developing high quality cluster experiences for teachers and students, suggested resources, and everything one needs to develop, implement, and sustain a top-quality enrichment cluster program.

Genres: Teaching

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Sally M. Reis, Ph.D., is a professor and the Department Head of the Educational Psychology Department in the University of Connecticut Neag School of Education. She was awarded the Distinguished Service Award and named a Distinguished Scholar by the National Association for Gifted Children.

Reviews

[Ashley Bostrom · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, albeit repetitive, how-to guide if you’re starting Enrichment Clusters. That said, Russel Ackoff’s quote, “doing the ‘wrong thing right’” kept coming to mind. It’s not the fault of the authors, they go as far as to say, “Although we would like to see more of this type of learning infused into the overall curriculum, the external forces that dominate most schools are simply too powerful to allow for massive immediate change.”

One hour-and-a-half cluster per week is not enough time to remind students what they love about learning. This type of learning should be incorporated into all units, themes, subjects...not just tacked on top of the curriculum.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in the Goodreads First-reads Giveaway.

It's funny how, as someone who has taught for a few years (but is not by any means a true teacher) can absolutely relate to this book. After deciding to teach for a few years, I realized why. And I noticed all the difficulties that the system(s) currently carry.

This book spells out what every teacher has indeed dreamt of. Having students interested in studying and wanting to learn more. This book gives you the means to achieve this.

The beginning gives us teachers the basics which we may know but need a refresher, explains the definition of an enrichment cluster and provides a timetable for the year. It offers step by step ways in which to gather interest, implement and achieve all those goals you wish you could attain with your students. These basics offers you the chance to make it your own, with student handouts, activities and ways for you as a teacher to also improve in time, as you teach these enrichment clusters.

I think this is a fantastic book with a great concept that I am excited to try. I'm also excited to share it with the few teacher friends of mine (especially those in difficult schools or with troublesome students). I'm sure it will be beneficial to them as well! By teaching students to look for what interests them, they end up learning by themselves and thanking you for the opportunity.

So, if you're a teacher, thinking of becoming a teacher, always wanted to teach or planning to start your own school I highly recommend you read this book and see how you can implement it in your own environment. I have a feeling you will be happy with the results, your students will be more motivated and you will be able to feel proud of the achievements you have all done together!