AN OVERVIEW ON THE EDUCATION OF GIFTED/TALENTED STUDENTS IN TURKEY

Abstract

In recent years, gifted/talented education started to gain importance in Turkey as in the rest of the world. Within this scope, 135 Science and Art Centers were established in 81 cities in Turkey by 2018. Gifted and talented students are very crucial for the future of the country. They will also lead and affect to the country in many ways. In the literature, there are a wide variety of definition and theory related to the intelligence. Developmental approaches focus on precocious abilities or specific skills as the key components in the recognition of gifted/talented children in the early years. It is seen that gifted/talented children are more advanced in terms of cognitive skills than their normal peers. There is a certain consensus in child and adolescent development theories that does not exist in the field of giftedness. While there are no difficulties in improving the academic achievement of gifted students, there are difficulties in improving their emotional intelligence and skills of overcoming socialization problems. It has been known that gifted children have different social and emotional characteristics compared to their peers and are at risk for mental health. In order for gifted children to become biopsychosocially healthy adults, it is important to determine the levels of intelligence at an early age, to maintain appropriate education for superior intelligence, to guide their emotional needs, and to inform parents and teachers.  In this study has been evaluated generally the education of gifted/talented children in Turkey. In this context was conducted a literature review.