Duygu GUR ERDOGAN¹ Tugba YURTKULU²
1Sakarya University, TURKEY.
2Sakarya University, TURKEY.
DOI: 10.14689/ejer.2017.68.11

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Self-actualization is understood as an effort to develop a level to which one aspires. Gifted individuals are expected especially to be more likely to reach this level than normal individuals of the same age. The Purpose of this study is to determine the self-actualization perception levels of students at BİLSEM, which is within the Ministry of National Education, and those who did not attend BİLSEM,

Research Methods: This study utilizes squantitative research methods in which descriptive methods were used to determine and compare selfactualization perceptions of gifted and non-gifted students. Its sample was chosen by purposeful sampling and was composed of 253 students in total, 115 of which attended BİLSEM and 138 of which didnot attend BİLSEM. In the scope of this study, the ‘’Self-Actualization Scale’’ developed by Battal and Şan (2010), was used.

Findings: As a result of the study, the perception levels of the gifted students are higher than non-gifted students in terms of selfactualization, social relations, creativity, critical thinking, and emotional integrity. In addition, it was also observed that the students who attended pre-school have higher perceived levels of self-actualization.

Implications for Research and Practice: According to the results, without overlooking the equality of opportunities in education, works that will increase the self-actualization perceptions of students who cannot go to BİLSEM should be included by means of education programs and concealed curricula. Future studies could investigate why perceived levels of self-actualization of gifted students were higher than those of non-gifted students.

Keywords: Gifted students, Self-actualization, BILSEM.