Longitudinal Evaluation of Education in Science and Art Centers According to Family Views

Abstract

Parents have an important role in training and development of children with special talents. Specially gifted students are educated in Science and Art Centers (BİLSEM). In this study, it is aimed to research the thoughts and expectations of families of special gifted children about the Science and Art Center. The study is a qualitative study carried out through cross-sectional approach in the longitudinal approach in the survey model. The participants of the study consisted of 78 gifted parents who attended a Science and Art Center in Central Anatolia. The data were obtained by using the fixed form interview questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive analysis method. According to the research data, it was observed that referral to BİLSEM was mostly done by formal education teachers as well as the awareness of the family. Parents had negative effects on BİLSEM to be time and exhausting; However, it has been concluded that BİLSEM contributed with different aspects on the scientific, mental, individual, academic and social development of its children with other aspects. Because of these contribution and benefits, parents wanted their children to continue Bilsem.