The Comparison of Academic Engagement, Emotional Creativity and Academic Self-efficacy in Gifted Male and Female Students

Aim: The present study was conducted to compare the academic engagement, emotional creativity and academic self-efficacy in gifted male and female students. Methods: This study was a comparative cross-sectional study. The research population included all gifted students of first, second and third grade high school students in Ardabil in 1394-93 Persian school year, from which 60 female and 60 male gifted students were selected randomly in multiple phases. For data collection, Academic Engagement Questionnaire (Schaufeli et al, 2002), Emotional Creativity Inventory (ECI-Averill, 1999), and Academic Self-efficacy Questionnaire (Mac Elroy & Banting, 2002) was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS-20 software with descriptive statistical methods (mean and standard deviation), and inferential statistical methods. Findings: The results show that the gifted female students excel in academic engagement and components of absorbing and devoting themselves, whereas the gifted male student excel in emotional creativity and components of innovation, readiness and effectiveness - originality. Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in the academic self-efficacy. Conclusion: According to the results, it is essential that stakeholders of education use educational policies and teaching practices, and keep gender and individual differences of student in mind.