Investigating the Preschool Training for Gifted and Talented Students on Gifted School Teachers View

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the view of gifted school teachers on educating the preschool-aged gifted and talented students. Study is grounded as a case-study which is a method in qualitative research area. Data is collected with semi-structured interview questions from 10 different gifted school teachers working in Balikesir, Turkey. Three different questions were posed during semi-structured interviews to clearly introduce the view of teachers. According to analysis results; it was achieved that all participants believe the necessity of an education for gifted and talented students starting from the preschool age. Beside this necessity, teachers were emphasized that given education should be supported with a proper curriculum, physical structure (buildings & classes, science & art materials etc.) and improved knowledge (in the field of educating preschool aged gifted and talented students) of the teachers. When the responses of teachers for 3 different questions were assessed, teachers which are working for the education of gifted and talented students(out of preschool age) are affirming their opinions that the education for the gifted and talented students should be started to given in preschool age.

Serving Vulnerable and Marginalized Populations in Social and Educational Contexts

“…Despite this generally unseemly feedback regarding the status of gifted education at the early childhood levels, preschool teachers deem that working with gifted preschoolers is important and necessary (Cosar et al, 2015;Konrad and Gabrijelcic, 2015). Aside from honing talent, establishing gifted education services in preschool may help young children and their families deal with challenging behaviors that come with giftedness.…”