Cognitive and Personal Characteristics of Talented Students and the Compentency of Teachers in the Estimation of such Characteristics for Higher Primary School in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The study aimed to reveal the cognitive and personal characteristics of elementary school students for grades: 4, 5, & 6, and to investigate in assessment, and the competency of teachers in assessing these characteristics. Instruments were developed and used for the identification of these characteristics of these properties. The methodology involves quantitative and qualitative approach. The sample consisted of 1063 students representing the governates of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results revealed a numbers of cognitive and personality characteristics of gifted students at the higher primary level; and that there were no statistically significant differences related to class, age, and gender in those characteristics. The study found statistically significant differences attributable to school district in favor of the North region. The study also found a low level of teachers' competency in the assessment of these characteristics. The study concluded with a number of important recommendations.