The Concept of Motivation From Student's Perspective: A Study of Gifted Students in Jeddah Saudi Arabia

This research examines the concept of motivation from student's perspective among gifted students in Jeddah Saudi Arabia. The discussion in the study is based on the theoretical framework of the achievement motivation theory. A total of 150 respondents were involved in the quantitative study comprising of male and female gifted students whereby 10 teachers and 30 gifted students were used for qualitative study. During the analysis and interpretation of the responses gathered from gifted students which is the quantitative data, effect size was used to investigate which of the emotional intelligence element (self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skill) would be the best predictor of academic achievement among gifted students in Saudi Arabia. For the qualitative data thematic analysis was used through manual qualitative style to describe the concept of motivation, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills and provide suggestions from the teachers that could be adopted to improve emotional intelligence among gifted students in Saudi Arabia. The findings of the study show the effect of emotional intelligence factors on academic achievement. The study will be significant to teachers of gifted students, educational planners, government, international agencies such as UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP, e t c and nongovernmental organizations by putting into practice the suggestions and recommendations which will help them improve emotional intelligence among gifted students in Saudi Arabia.