A Study on the Differences in Learning-Activity Preferences between Gifted and Average Students according to Thinking Styles

사고 유형에 따른 영재 아동과 일반 아동의 학습 선호 활동의 차이 연구

This study investigated the differences in learning activity preferences according to different thinking styles between gifted and average students. A cluster analysis procedure was performed to classify students on the basis of thinking styles. Two clusters of different thinking styles were deduced: the gifted group with a high level thinking style (cluster 1), and the average group with a low level thinking style (cluster 2). The gifted group (cluster 1) preferred projects, simulations, discussions and game activities to other types of loaming activities. Gifted students and average students also were clustered into each three unique subgroups with respect to levels and patterns in thinking styles, and these subgroups also showed different learning preferences. The clusters of gifted students included the self-regulated learning type (cluster a), cooperative-learning type (cluster b), and the passive-learning type (cluster c). The clusters of average students included the independent learning type (cluster i), no-preference learning type(cluster ii), and the no-motivation & teacher-directed learning type (cluster iii). Theses clusters indicated significant differences not only in thinking styles but also in terms of preferences regarding learning activities. Theses findings are discussed in terms of their educational implications.