• Journal of Gifted/Talented Education
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.485-510
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• 2011

This study aimed to analyze the appropriateness of chemistry teaching-learning programs for the gifted in science in middle school gifted classes and to propose improvements. For this study, 5 chemistry teaching-learning 4-6 hour programs developed for science gifted classes by Korea Education Development Institute (KEDI) and 3 chemistry teaching-learning programs developed for science gifted classes by three middle schools in K province were selected. A standard model for gifted education programs was used as tool for analyzing the program targets, program contents, teaching-learning methods, and assessment items. The results showed that all chemistry teaching-learning programs for the gifted in science presented well attainable objectives in the program targets. However, most program targets did not offer differentiated objectives from the general education. Program contents of KEDI stresses intensified education, and also presented a high ratio of sub-elements of creativity, which can enhance gifted creativity. On the other hand, program contents developed by three middle schools focused on acceleration in advancement, and presented low ratio of creativity sub-elements, which could be insufficient in enhancing gifted creativity. Differentiated and personalized, integrated science and interscience, updated research contents were hardly found in programs developed by KEDI and three middle schools. However, teaching-learning methods were composed to fit the learning objectives in the teaching process and the procedures, and were made to self-directed learning. There were no assessment for the feedback after class. Therefore, teaching-learning programs for the gifted in science should be developed further in order to fulfill the objectives of gifted education and gifted characteristics. Also, it is necessary to construct infrastructure to carry out the developed teaching-learning programs.