Faculty Members’ Attitudes and Knowledge of Gifted Students and their Education at Saudi Universities اتجاهات أعضاء هیئة التدریس فی الجامعات السعودیة ومدى معرفتهم بالطلبة الموهوبین وتعلیم الموهوبین

This study aimed to investigate faculty members’ attitudes and knowledge of gifted students and their education at Saudi universities. It also attempted to investigate the correlation between their attitudes and knowledge considering different sub-groups of faculty members. A cross-sectional correlational design was applied and a questionnaire with a sample of 170 faculty members from four Saudi universities was used for data collection. The overall result showed that faculty members from Saudi universities held slightly positive attitudes towards gifted students and their education. In addition, A significant positive correlation between faculty members’ attitudes and their knowledge was established. Faculty members who have received courses in gifted education were found to be more knowledgeable and are more likely to hold positive attitudes towards gifted students and gifted education at the university level. In addition, faculty members from theoretical colleges (e.g., College of Education) held significantly higher attitudes than other colleges. The study’s results recommend that faculty members at Saudi universities require more training regarding the characteristics of gifted students; their cognitive, social, and psychological needs; and gifted education in general.