Developing critical thinking skills of gifted students through political literacy-based activities

The study aims to enhance the critical thinking (CT) skills of 11- and 12-year-old gifted students in secondary school through political literacy (PL) activities. In this research, conducted as action research, a needs analysis has been performed. A Thinking Skills Workshop was needed in a Science and Art Center (SAC) in Türkiye, specifically designed to develop CT skills based on PL. The study has been carried out with students participating in the workshop. A 9-week program has been designed, incorporating current, global, and socio-political issues such as migration and climate change. The findings reveal significant improvement in all subcomponents of CT skills among the gifted students. These results indicate that PL-based activities are an effective method for improving the CT skills of gifted students. Integrating such activities into educational programs can help students evaluate complex social, environmental, and political issues more consciously.