Özel Yetenekli Birey Olarak Tanılanmanın Ortaöğretim Öğrencileri Üzerindeki Etkileri ve Bu Bireylerin Kariyer Planları

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of being identified as gifted on secondary school students and to explore their career plans. The study employs a case study approach, which is one of the qualitative research methods, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. The research group consists of twenty (20) gifted students attending a Science High School in the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher, finalized with the input of experts in the field. The results indicated that a significant majority of students expressed that being identified as gifted had positive effects on them and they received positive feedback from their surroundings. However, they also reported challenges faced in their educational environments, such as fatigue from attending multiple institutions, increased responsibilities and assignments, and stress felt when unable to perform tasks. Regarding career plans, it was concluded that most students confidently made a single career plan for themselves. As a result, it can be inferred that the more meaningful social support gifted individuals perceive from their environment, the stronger their psychological resilience will be. Furthermore, considering the functions of education in building the future, it is undeniable that special attention to the education of gifted individuals is essential.