A Proposed Framework for Innovation in Gifted Education Research in Light of 21st-century skills: A Foresight Study Using Delphi Method

Abstract

This study aimed to propose a framework for innovation in gifted education research studies in the light of 21st-century skills. To examine the current innovation in gifted research, a preliminary opinion poll was administered to a sample of 358 participants representing various segments of the society, using an electronic questionnaire. The results indicated that 27% ​​believed that research in the gifted education was developed and led to new outcomes, whereas 23% said that research in this area was just replication of studies. The study used descriptive and Delphi methods to develop the main study tool, which was a criteria questionnaire of 21st-century innovative research. This was achieved by a survey given to 16 experts in innovation research methods and the gifted education. The questionnaire was given to them in three rounds: the first was by using an open-ended questionnaire, while the second and third were by using a closed-ended questionnaire. By applying the questionnaire to a sample of 160 researchers, the reliability and validity ranged between (0.6-0.8). Results indicated agreement degrees between (46.6%-44%). The suggested framework for innovation in research of the gifted education was developed in the light of criteria proposed by the experts. The study recommended taking advantage of the proposed framework according to the specified dimensions; and conducting research to develop gifted education studies, for it is a major tool to define the framework of providing services to the gifted.