Gifted Students' Perceptions of Their Class Activities: Differences Among Rural, Urban, and Suburban Student Attitudes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in attitudes toward classroom activities among rural, urban, and suburban gifted students. More specifically, the instrument My Class Activities designed to assess students' attitudes toward, their class activities with respect to Interest, Challenge, Choice, and Enjoyment, was used to show how gifted students from rural schools differed from their counterparts in urban and suburban schools. Rural elementary students found their classrooms less frequently interesting and challenging, but found the more frequently enjoyable than their urban and suburban peers. Rural middle school students reported less challenge and less enjoyment than their suburban peers. Implications of the findings for gifted students in rural settings are discussed and suggestions for addressing these dimensions for gifted students in rural areas provided. Additionally, validity and reliability evidence is provided for My Class Activities.