Australia should consider adopting more than the Italians' taste for spaghetti, a leading gifted and talented educator said yesterday.

Central Queensland University Early Childhood lecturer Avril Rose hoped an exemplary Italian education model would be adapted in Queensland classrooms.

“Italy has been identified as a leader in providing one of the best educational programs, and this comes from the style of education offered to children,” she said.

“Children should be allowed to follow their own interests and explore our environment. A negotiated curriculum allows the children to take leadership roles and responsibility for their learning.

“An all-inclusive laboratory would allow children to work at their own level and receive support when required.” Ms Rose expected gifted and talented children would be more motivated to learn if classroom content emerged from individual interests and needs.

“Learning can be more meaningful if teachers act as guides by offering open-ended discovery and problem-solving to gifted children in the learning environment.” Italy's Reggio Emilia is world-renowned for its innovative approach to education.

Ms Rose will present details relating to the approach at the 12th State Conference of the Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented Children from May 16-18 in Brisbane.