INTEGRATING MUSIC ITEMS IN GIFTED SCREENING TEST: VALIDATION STRATEGIES IN MALAYSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/subbmusica.2025.2.07Keywords:
music education, music assessment, gifted and talented, gifted test, music itemAbstract
This study investigates the integration of music-related components into a gifted screening test to enhance the identification of artistic and music giftedness. Focusing on Malaysia’s educational context, the research develops and evaluates music items embedded in a standardized test, targeting students’ cognitive and creative abilities. A mixed-method design was employed, incorporating quantitative data from 414 students and qualitative insights from expert interviews and observations. Rasch model analysis revealed that the music items, particularly melody awareness and music interval recognition, effectively differentiated students based on ability. The study concludes that integrating music into gifted screening tests provides a more inclusive approach, recognizing diverse talents, and supporting a holistic evaluation of giftedness beyond conventional academic metrics.
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