Examination of 21st Century Skills of Gifted and Average Students

In this research, it is aimed to examine the 21st century skills of gifted students and average students in terms of different variables. In the research, survey design from quantitative research method designs was used. The sample of the research consisted of 201 gifted students studying at a Science and Arts Center in the Eastern Anatolia Region and 300 average students. Multidimensional 21st Century Skills Scale was used as data collection tool in the research. In the analysis of the data, independent sample t test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were prefered descriptive statistics. The 21st century skills of gifted students were found to be higher than those of average students. On the other hand, although there was no statistically significant difference between the total scores of the 21st century skills scales of male and female gifted students, there was a statistically significant difference between the total scores of the male and female average students. The total score means of the gifted students did not show a significant difference in terms of the program and age variable. A statistically significant difference was found between the scores of the gifted and average participants in the dimensions of information and technology literacy, critical thinking and problem solving, entrepreneurship and innovation, and social responsibility and leadership skills. This difference favored gifted students. Necessary recommendations were made in line with the findings.