A comparision between gifted students and non-gifted students' learning styles and their motivation styles towards science learning

Abstract

This study compared the gifted students and nongifted students’ learning styles and their motivation styles toward science learning. In accordance with this purpose, this research was based upon thirty gifted students, who were selected by a specially-designed exam throughout Turkey and have been educated in ASTC (Art and Science Training Center for Gifted Students), and two hundred fifty nongifted students who have been educated in sixth, seventh and eighth grades of primary schools. In this research, learning style scales and motivation toward science learning questionnaire were used as the data collection tool. The data analysis shows that there are significant differences between the gifted students and nongifted students’ learning styles and their motivation styles toward science learning. It was determined that participative learning style had the highest average number among the gifted students whereas competitive learning style had the highest average number among the nongifted students. Furthermore, both the gifted students and nongifted students’ achievement-oriented learning style had the highest average number. Key words: Gifted students, nongifted students, learning styles and motivation styles.