Holistic Self-Identity Model of Malaysian Gifted Students

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Rorlinda Yusof, Afifah Mohamad Radzi, Tengku Elmi Azlina Tengku Muda, Salleh Amat, Fazilah Idris

Abstract

The success of an educational program lies in the quality of the students produced.  Successful gifted and talented (GT) students can be observed through a well-balanced characteristic. The purpose of this study was to explore the indicators of the holistic self-identity components of GT students. Using a qualitative design, data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 21 respondents consisted of two GT experts, six educational counsellors, seven GT teachers, three Human Development Faculty lecturers, and three industrial leaders. The interview process was conducted through the preparation of recording and verbatim procedures based on the interview protocol questions.  The interview protocol has gone through the process of face and content validity from experts in the related fields. Analysis of data from these interviews utilized the constant-comparative method. The findings produced eight emerging categories and 25 main themes that reflect the categories of a holistic self-identity of GT students namely Intellectual-identity, Emotional-identity, Social-identity, Physical-identity, Spirituality-identity, Leadership-identity, Citizenship-identity, and Adversity-identity. There was a similarity in the concepts of a wholesome individual development parallel to the Malaysia Philosophy of Education. This study also shows the importance of considering this multi-aspect of self-identity as the fundamental pillar for developing Holistic Identity Model for GT students.

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