Investigating the Relationship of Gifted Students’ Perceptions Regarding Science Learning Environment and Motivation for Science Learning with their Intellectual Risk Taking and Science Achievement

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine relationship between the eighth-grade gifted students’ perceptions of science learning environment constructive learning environment perception (CLEP) and their motivations motivation to learn science (MLS) to learn science with their intellectual risk-taking (IRT) and science achievement (SA). For this purpose, the predictive research method was chosen. The sample consisted of 133 8th grade gifted students in Science and Art Centers in nine provinces of Turkey. The data collectioninstruments involved “IRT Scale,” “Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire,” “Constructivist Learning Environment Scale,” and “SA Test.” In the research, path analysis was used to determine causal relationships between these variables. As a result of the analyzes, it was determined that CLEP predicted IRT and SA, MLS significantly predicted IRT in learning science and SA and IRT in learning science predicted SA. The findings were discussed by considering their importance for teaching and learning science in gifted education context.

Keywords

• gifted students
• motivation for science learning
• intellectual risk taking in learning science
• constructivist science
• learning environment
• science achievement