A Systematic Compilation of the Problems Encountered by Teachers and Students in Science and Arts Centers in Turkey

Abstract

In Turkey, Science and Arts Centers (BİLSEM) were opened and put into practice in 1995 in order to support gifted and talented students who are different from their peers in academic, social, and artistic fields in addition to their formal education. However, as in every educational institution, many problems have emerged in BİLSEMs, which teachers and students try to overcome. In this research, we aim to address the problems that teachers and students in BİLSEMs face or experience. To this end, the study employed a systematic compilation method, a qualitative research method, and theses, articles, papers, and books that were published between 1995 and 2022 and could be accessed were included in the study. In accordance with the purpose of the study, the research data were compiled by entering the keywords “BİLSEM”, “Gifted”, and “Talented” in the databases and analyzed with content analysis. As a result of the reviews, 46 articles, 15 theses, 1 paper, and 1 book focusing on teacher and student problems were included in the study. In light of the results obtained in the study, it was concluded that the problems experienced by teachers include shortages in materials, physical conditions and infrastructure, insufficient professional development opportunities, the programs not being functional and adequate, and student absenteeism and that the problems experienced by students include the intensity of the program and participating in too many activities, insufficient infrastructure and a lack of materials, being excluded from their circle of friends, and high expectations.