Mathematics teachers' perceptions of teaching gifted and talented learners in general education classrooms in the UAE

Abstract

Gifted education has received attention all over the world, including the UAE, because of its significant contribution to economic investment. This quantitative study aimed to describe and analyze mathematics teachers' perceptions of teaching gifted learners in general education classrooms in the UAE. The survey consisted of 19 statements on a 5-point Likert scale, with a sample of 66 teachers. The analysis of the results concerned two factors: teacher competency, and perceptions of the effectiveness of gifted learner programs. The results showed generally positive attitudes toward gifted education, and more specifically teachers showed positive perceptions toward their competency to teach gifted students, while they mostly held negative perceptions regarding the effectiveness of gifted programs. In addition, teaching level (cycle 1, cycle 2, cycle 3) impacted teacher perceptions regarding their competency to teach gifted students and the applied gifted programs in their schools. However, a broader study not limited to Al Ain city teachers would provide results that are more informative.