Characteristics and educational needs of gifted young scientists: a focus group study

The Gifted Young Scientists (GYS) is the students who have certain intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership, or academic abilities that are higher than the average ability of students in general, they need different educational services (special need). This study aims to analyze the potential of gifted young scientists in terms of critical thinking in the village area in Indonesia. The study was conducted using a multi-case multi-site case study design involving 4 managers, 5 teachers, and 5 students in the High School. Data collected through in depth and focus group interviews then analyzed qualitatively with thematically. The study found that there were four characteristics of gifted young scientists in the High School studied, namely; (i) very active and creative, (ii) easy and quick to receive information and materials, (iii) have a very high curiosity, (iv) love the high-level and challenging learning process. These findings indicate that the self-contained class students in high school meet the criteria of gifted young scientists. Thus, differentiated curriculum, high quality learning process with different teachers, materials, and approaches need to be designed seriously and continuously for the maximum student development process.