Time Allocation of Academically Talented Students: An International Comparison

• In Event: Roundtable Session 66
  In Roundtable Session: Practices in Measurement and Documentation Related to Achievement and Gifted Education

Abstract

With global competitiveness becoming an increasing concern, international performance comparisons grow increasingly relevant. However, developmental perspectives suggest that such investigations should extend beyond test score comparisons. The current study compared self-reported responses of academically talented students from the US and India on how they spend their time, an indicator of their personal interest and developmental experience. US students reported spending significantly more time on academics during the week but less time over the weekend than their Indian peers. US students also reported spending significantly more time using electronics than Indian students both during the week and the weekend. These results begin to inform discussions on what each educational system and culture is doing to prepare its academically talented students.

Authors

• Matthew C. Makel, Duke University

• Jon Wai, Duke University

• Martha Putallaz, Duke University