The "Student Talented Teacher Awareness Project," designed by Melikgazi Municipality and Melikgazi District National Education Directorate, has been awarded support and implementation assistance by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye). Under the Nature Education and Science Schools Support Program, the supported project aims to better recognize gifted children, enable their recognition in classroom settings, and guide them according to their talents. The training began with a "Drama Activity" held at the Melikgazi Municipality Theatre Hall. Practical information on how to conduct drama activities within classrooms is being provided to teachers. The education continues with sessions covering various topics such as Cognitive Development in Gifted Children, Emotional Development in Gifted Children, and Character Education. Children are encouraged to participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities within classrooms and are taught how to catch clues through these activities. Training sessions are provided on topics like Science Lessons 1 – On the Trail, Space Journey, Components in STEM Education, and 21st Century Skills, offering insights into different perspectives during science activities. In STEAM workshops, teachers participate in activities like creating a painter robot, magnetic car, and solar energy using simple materials. They learn how to ask different questions with children working with basic materials and how to understand diverse learners. As part of the project, visits to the Kayseri Science Centre and Çetin Şen Science Centre are organized with teachers to explain the positive impacts of out-of-school educational opportunities on children.
Melikgazi Mayor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Palancıoğlu made the following statements regarding the conducted trainings:
Our gifted children are precious assets needed for the development of our country in arts, science, and technology. The contributions of gifted children to endeavours benefiting humanity are undeniable. Therefore, it is crucial for us to identify these exceptional children, who are each a gem, and provide them with enhanced educational opportunities they need. Melikgazi Municipality continues to support and will continue to support many initiatives undertaken by our gifted children. Through our Teknofest support over the past three years, we have been assisting our children in further developing each value produced. We provide out-of-school educational environments with more refined and technological facilities through Technology Workshops and Mind Cube Libraries established in various parts of our district. Moving forward, we will implement our Dâhiler College and Children's University projects, where these children will receive education and support. On this occasion, I hope that the project we have carried out in collaboration with Melikgazi District National Education Directorate will lead to good outcomes." The "Student Talented Teacher Awareness" project, supported by Mehmet Miraboğlu Primary School, Melikgazi RAM, and Çetin Şen Science and Art Centre, will conclude after completing a 5-day training session.