The issue of whether to group or segregate children with varying talents and abilities has generated mixed views in recent years.

Some people argue that placing all students together is beneficial, while others contend that gifted children should be given the opportunity to develop their talents in an isolated environment.

In my opinion, students of all levels would benefit most from set periods of both integrated and individualized learning.

When students at differing stages of intellectual development are grouped together in a class environment, they all stand to benefit from collaborative learning.

Advanced students can assist those in the class who may be struggling with certain tasks and concepts, while simultaneously reinforcing their own understanding of the learning material and developing essential leadership skills.

Establishing a buddy system whereby 2 students at different learning stages work together is a good example of this form of collaboration in action.

Moreover, this reduces some of the burden placed on teachers who would ordinarily be required to spend disproportionate amounts of one on one time with higher needs students.

Give to children who are deprived of the opportunity to be intellectually challenged, may have their creativity suppressed, and ultimately fail to reach their full potential.

For this reason, there are strong arguments for creating learning environments in which advanced students can receive more appropriate levels of mental stimulation.

Although it may not be feasible to completely segregate the high achievers from mainstream education, setting aside certain periods during the school day for advanced course work would be a suitable compromise.