The Finnish public discussion of giftedness and gifted children |
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| Authors: | Sonja Laine |
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| Institution: | Department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences , University of Helsinki , Finland |
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| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to present the results of research in which the Finnish public discussion of giftedness and gifted children, and conceptions of giftedness and gifted children presented in it, were examined. The research was conducted by analyzing articles from the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat and the teachers’ periodical Opettaja, using the content analysis method. The results show that giftedness is seen as multidimensional, and both intrapersonal and environmental contributions are recognized as essential in talent development. The conceptions of gifted children were quite diverse, and gifted children’s possible problems were frequently discussed. Moreover, misunderstandings were revealed as well as areas that have not been adequately addressed. |
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| Keywords: | giftedness gifted children conceptions content analysis public discussion advocacy |
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