Opinions of Experts Working on Identification of Gifted Children in Early Childhood

This study aims to examine the views of experts involved in the identification of gifted children in early childhood towards identification. The study included 15 experts working in identification at Guidance and Research Centers (GRCs) in Gaziantep, Erzincan, Malatya, and İstanbul provinces. For this qualitative research study, a semi-structured interview form, created by the researchers in accordance with the aims of the research, was used to explore the views of experts involved in early childhood identification. The results of the expert opinions show that the participants defined special ability as above average performance, creativity, problem solving, quick comprehension, and learning. Participants emphasized the necessity of identification in early childhood in order to reveal potential and differentiate education programs. They emphasized the strengths and weaknesses of the tools used in identification. They revealed the problems experienced in the identification process especially in immigrant and refugee groups. They emphasized the effect of pre-test preparations and the opinions of families and teachers on the identification process. A number of recommendations were made in line with the opinions of the experts involved in identification.