AN EFFECTIVENESS EVALUATION OF A TUBITAK PROJECT PROGRAMME ABOUT STEM EDUCATION FOR GIFTED STUDENTS

Abstract

The primary purpose of this research is to increase the interest of earthquake survivor students in the fields of Geology and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), to enable themto develop their knowledge and skills in these fields, to promote scientific knowledge-based thinking in society, and encourage future scientists. This research is based on aneducation projectfunded by The Scientific and Technological Research Institution of Türkiye(TUBITAK). For this purpose, 24 gifted students from Science and Art Centres(BİLSEM) were selectedfrom Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Osmaniye, and Adana provinces, which were most affected by the earthquakein Türkiye. The participantswereselected via criterion sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling methods, and they weretrained for five daysadopting a pre-test and post-testprocess.In addition, the data were collected through a response evaluation questionnaire and an interview form regarding the efficiency of all elements ofthe project and the trainers. The obtained data were analysed using "The Kirkpatrick Training Programme Evaluation Model" (Kirkpatrick, 2006) The resultsrevealed that the participants' reactions to the training process were positive and that they liked the trainers, topics, materials, presentations, andthe training environment in the project training process. In addition, it was notedthat the training extensively and positively affected the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. According to the participants' statements, the gains from the training have provided them with skills that can be transformed into practice in their life-oriented experiences and show that the feasibility level is high. As a result, it shows that the project effectively meets student needs and has a solid infrastructure to increase student satisfaction.