Opinions of administrators, teachers, students and parents regarding visual arts education in science and art centers in the province of Muğla

The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the adequacy of the visual arts programs offered to specially talented students in Science and Art Centers in Muğla province, to assess the physical infrastructure and material resources of the centers, to examine the reliability of student identification and selection exams, and to determine the perceptions and awareness of administrators, students, teachers, and parents regarding visual arts education in the centers. In line with this aim, the perceptions and awareness of administrators, teachers, students, and parents regarding visual arts education in the centers were determined. The level of competence of the centers in visual arts education and selection exams was determined, and recommendations were made based on the findings. The study also aimed to identify the differences among the districts in Muğla and provide recommendations for improving the education of specially talented children. The research was conducted with six administrators and eight visual arts teachers working in six Science and Art Centers (Muğla, Fethiye, Bodrum, Milas, Marmaris, and Köyceğiz) in Muğla during the 2022-2023 academic year, 83 students receiving visual arts education, and 80 parents. The general survey model of quantitative research method was used in the study. The survey titled "Visual Arts Interview Questionnaire" was administered to all participants. The research process was carried out in the form of adapting and applying the questionnaire, analyzing and interpreting the data statistically. Descriptive statistical frequency and percentage analyses, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and KWH (Kruskal Wallis H-Test) were used to determine whether there was a significant difference between district variables in the statistical evaluation of quantitative data. It was observed that women had a more positive attitude towards the visual arts education in the centers than men in terms of visual arts education, material resources, physical infrastructure, and selection and identification, and young participants had a more positive attitude than older participants in terms of age factor, whereas they adopted a negative attitude as the education level increased. Although there were no significant differences between the districts, visual arts education in Science and Art Centers was evaluated positively. These results indicate that variables such as gender, age, and education slightly affect individuals' attitudes towards visual arts education. According to a research conducted among the participants of the survey, it was observed that women had a more positive attitude towards visual arts education in the centers than men in terms of visual arts education, material resources, physical infrastructure, and selection and identification. It was also determined that young participants had a more positive attitude than older participants in terms of age factor, and a negative attitude was adopted as the education level increased. When looked at according to the districts, it was observed that the visual arts education in Science and Art Centers was positively evaluated by the administrators in Muğla and Fethiye, the teachers in Marmaris, the students in Marmaris a positive attitude towards visual arts education in the centers. These results indicate that variables such as gender, age, and education level have some influence on individuals' attitudes towards visual arts education. According to a survey conducted among the participants, it was found that women had a more positive attitude towards visual arts education in the centers compared to men, in terms of material opportunities, physical equipment, and selection and diagnosis dimensions. In terms of age, it was found that young participants had a more positive view than mature ones. As the education level increased, however, a negative attitude was adopted. When looked at by districts, visual arts education in science and art centers was evaluated positively overall, with the managers and teachers in Muğla and Fethiye, the students in Marmaris, and the parents in Bodrum expressing the most positive opinions. In conclusion, the study aimed to evaluate the sufficiency of the visual arts programs offered in the Science and Art Centers in Muğla for gifted students, to assess the physical infrastructure and financial resources of the centers, and to determine the reliability of student identification and selection exams. In this regard, the perceptions and awareness of administrators, teachers, students, and parents regarding visual arts education in the centers were identified. The level of competence in visual arts education and selection exams in the centers was determined, and recommendations were made based on the findings. The study also aimed to identify differences among districts in Muğla and to make recommendations for improving the education of gifted children. The survey method was used in the study, and a survey entitled "Visual Arts Interview Questionnaire" was applied to all participants. The study process consisted of adapting and implementing the questionnaire, analyzing and interpreting the data statistically. Descriptive statistical frequency and percentage analyzes, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and KWH (Kruskal Wallis H-Test) were used to determine whether there were significant differences between district variables in the statistical evaluation of quantitative data. Overall, the study found that visual arts education in Science and Art Centers in Muğla is evaluated positively, with some variations based on gender, age, education level, and districts. The results of the study provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators to improve the education of gifted children in visual arts in Muğla.