Investigating Perceptions and Skills of Gifted Students in STEM Education

Abstract

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) provides a noteworthy conceptual lens for many countries when it comes to labor recruitment. For many countries, providing opportunities for gifted students at school and quality STEM education should be included. A limited number of qualitative study has focused in-depth on the skills and perceptions of gifted students in STEM education. Therefore, this article aims to explore gifted students' perceptions and skills by applying STEM education. The study was conducted with 17 middle school gifted students. It includes data collection, a series of interviews, student diaries focusing on the STEM experiences of gifted children, and a self-assessment form that allows students to evaluate themselves in activities. As a result, it was concluded that STEM education practices are important in discovering the perceptions and skills of gifted students, and that students improve their scientific inquiry, argumentation, technological inquiry, and creative thinking skills, and enable career choice to them. In addition, it seems that STEM activities need more work with gifted students.