Giftedness

This study investigated the receptive and productive vocabulary command of learners based on their willingness to communicate (WTC) and critical thinking skill. The study also aimed to compare gifted and non-gifted learners in terms of the above-mentioned variables. To this end, 112 gifted and non-gifted Iranian EFL learners were picked out and given four instruments (WTC questionnaire, critical thinking skill test, receptive, and productive vocabulary tests). Having analyzed data through two-way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests, the study revealed that, first, no significant difference was found between high and low WTC learners and also high and low critical thinkers in their receptive lexical command; and second, high and low WTC learners, high and low critical thinkers, and also gifted and non-gifted learners showed significant differences in their productive lexical command. Thus, while for receptive vocabulary knowledge, giftedness is a more influential factor than WTC and critical thinking, for productive vocabulary knowledge, WTC, critical thinking, and giftedness are all influential. The pertinent theoretical and practical implications of the study will also be explicated.

The discussion over human inherent capabilities and talent has long been one of the important challenges of education and has prompted scholars and educators to probe this ongoing issue. This paper aimed to conduct a phenomenographic analysis of the meaning of giftedness from the perspective of school teachers across Sanandaj. In this qualitative study, 30 school teachers were interviewed until theoretical saturation was reached. For this study, a semi-structured interview was conducted using a set of six questions. The data collected from the interviews were analyzed using the MAXQDA 2020 software. The coding method utilized for the interviews was the Colaizzi data analysis method, which is a commonly used approach for qualitative data analysis. The participants believed that giftedness encompasses ‘self-direction,’ ‘moral prosperity,’ and self-motivation’ among others. Also, the suggested mechanisms to employ gifted individuals include providing supportive atmosphere in schools, supporting and guiding gifted students during their education at university, employing gifted alumni, and establishing and implementing complementary and various programs.