Civic education as a means of talent dissemination for gifted students

Abstract

This study examined the need for civic education as a mode of talent dissemination among gifted students. Based on a comprehensive review of literature, civic education was found to be instrumental for gifted students in developing academic, psychological, and social abilities; enhancing civic awareness, responsibility, and commitment; and taking the leading role to make a difference for local communities and the society. While there are only a few gifted programs for civic education, research evidence suggested that civic education programs such as Civic Education Institute consisting of rigorous academic content, hands-on activities, and ongoing reflections and evaluations enabled gifted students to get engaged with community, society, and world issues. This study concluded that civic education would be an effective means of talent dissemination as well as talent development for gifted students. Talent dissemination coupled with talent development should be the major task and ultimate goal of gifted education by the help of high-quality civic education programs.