Gifted Israeli students' perceptions of teachers' desired characteristics: A case of cultural orientation

Gifted students' perceptions of the desired characteristics of teachers of the gifted were assessed from a sample comprised of 404 elementary- and junior high-school Israeli Jewish and Arab students studying in pullout centers. Perceptions weremeasured using a questionnaire comprising teachers' cognitive, personal, and pedagogical dimensions. Personal characteristics were perceived by both Jewish and Arab students as the most important. Significant effects of culture, gender, and grade level were detected for all three dimensions. We suggest that differences stem from collectivist/individualist cultural orientations and girls' status aspirations. Thus, students' perceptions of teachers' desired characteristics have to be discussed in relation to their cultural background and schooling. A new lens for examining teaching of gifted students is offered, along with practical implications for teacher-certification programs.