Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the Israeli certification program for teachers of gifted children. Pre- and post-tests addressed Israeli teachers’ perceptions of unique teaching-learning situations in pullout centers, the desired characteristics of teachers of the gifted, as well as knowledge of gifted and instructional related competencies acquired. The research sample comprised 147 teachers composing three groups: (a) PDTG teachers; (b) pullout center teachers; and (c) school teachers. Measures of perceptions were based on three instruments: (a) a questionnaire measuring level of collectivism; (b) an open-ended question about the teaching-learning situation and statements about desired cognitive, personal, and pedagogical characteristics of teachers of the gifted; and (c) a questionnaire measuring knowledge of gifted education and related competencies. Significant effects for group, interaction of group by culture, and type of program were detected in issues addressed. The study findings suggest a limited impact of certification programs. The study proposes a new lens for examining professional development programs, in particular as related to cultural orientations, and discusses practical implications for teacher certification programs.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 143-161 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Gifted and Talented International |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 1-2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Mar 2011 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2011, © 2011 — World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Gifted education
- certification program in gifted education
- cultural orientation
- teachers’ desired characteristics
- teachers’ knowledge of gifted education
- teachers’ related competencies
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Developmental and Educational Psychology