Sat 20.09.2014 - 11:30-13:30 - Plečnik 2-3

“I Want a White Horse Instead of This Certificate” Exploring Meaning and Reality of Giftedness in the Conflict Area of East Jerusalem   Paper

Presenter: Fatima Elyan
Author(s): Fatima Elyan (David Yellin College, Jerusalem)

This paper is extracted from a PhD exploring the meaning and reality of giftedness for Palestinian students in East Jerusalem.1  
The purpose of this paper is to explore the experience and the concerns of Palestinian gifted students, who live in difficult political, economic, social, and educational circumstances. They are ignored on multiple levels with their giftedness not being identified or encouraged due to a complete lack of systematic research or policy support and educational opportunities. Often, they are using strong metaphorical terms (such as ‘white horse’ or ‘good wolf’), but are very seldom understood and analyzed.
In terms of methodology, qualitative research methods have been utilized for this study, especially the use of grounded theory and narrative case studies. Twenty research participants were selected and interviewed in their homes in East Jerusalem over the period of one year. Two of these girls were selected for the pilot study, which enabled the author to enter the field and to identify issues related to these girls. Also, two high-ability boys were observed during the researcher’s own teaching lessons in Grade 1 as an additional source of data. The data of the interviews, the research journal, and the girls’ diaries were coded and analyzed by using grounded theory techniques.
The major findings of this paper show that these students live between the expectations of family, school and community; it was the first time that they were able to express their own stories and unique concerns regarding the meaning of being gifted and being different from others in the family, school, and society. Their stories highlight the paradox between their personal dreams and acting as a ‘normal’ member in a traditional society with socially pre-constructed responsibilities. Social and cultural pressures inhibit many families from adopting different ways of dealing with gifted children. 
The implication of these findings are that gifted Palestinian students do have a strong sense of who they are, but live between the Separation Walls of their families, schools, society, and the constraining political context of East Jerusalem. 
This study identifies and redefines the concept of giftedness and its linkage to and role in conflict areas such as East Jerusalem. Palestinian gifted students interpret their giftedness as a form of identity and a new power for changing their educational and social reality despite the lack of resources and special programs to support them.
1 Identification of Educational Opportunities and Concerns of Arab Palestinian Gifted Girls, Study Case: East Jerusalem, Dr. Fatima Elyan, 2013