Critical Pedagogy in Turkish Education System: The Opinions of Academicians
Şehnaz Nigar ÇelikPages: 0-0
This study analyzed the Turkish education system in terms of critical pedagogy principles. Through the semi-structured interview form developed within the scope of the research, interviews were conducted with 32 academicians, and the data obtained as a result of the study were brought together on a question basis in the first stage and coded using MAXQDA software. The codes that show the same theme group characteristics and provide integrity of meaning within themselves were brought together. The data obtained in this context were analyzed, and the codes, categories, and themes were visualized and presented in MAXMaps according to their frequency of repetition. As a result of the research, the participants primarily defined the concept of critical pedagogy as a questioning perspective. The participants stated that the education system does not respond to differentiated needs, does not contribute to social justice and equality, and does not pave the way for social change and development. The participants also believe that a qualified and sustainable policy is not implemented in the Turkish education system. It has been argued that teachers do not contribute to pupils becoming influential individuals or thinking critically and that the reasons for this are the educational systems in place. As a result of the study, it was suggested that education should be free from ideology, teachers should be supported intellectually and professionally, and school-family cooperation should be ensured
View it in PDFEthical Review of Teachers’ Relations with the School Environment
Fatih Baydar A. Faruk LeventPages: 0-0
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of teachers with the school environment from an ethical perspective, according to teachers ’ opinions. In this research, a case study design from the qualitative research method was used. The research data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with 20 teachers working in Sultanbeyli, Pendik, and Kartal districts of Istanbul. The data collection tool of the research was the semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using the descriptive analysis technique, and the participants ’ opinions were gathered under five themes (ethical behaviors of teachers, ethical decision making, increasing ethical sensitivity, unethical behaviors, and the harms of unethical behaviors). Because of the research, it was determined that the ethical competencies of teachers should be increased, that teachers should be role models for their followers, and that they should have several ethical competencies. Additionally, the study identified that teachers engaged in some unethical behaviors that negatively impacted the environment and students. For teachers to make ethical decisions in their relations with the environment, it is considered important that decision makers implement policies that function to increase their ethical awareness level.
View it in PDFAn Experimental Study on Measuring the Impact of Using Virtual Laboratories in Developing Some Metacognition Skills (Planning, Monitoring, and Control) in the Subject of Physics
Abeer S. Alzahrani Majed A. AlharthiPages: 0-0
The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of using virtual laboratories in developing some Metacognition skills in the subject of physics among third-grade female students. The research adopted a quasi-experimental design, with a sample of 30 students evenly divided between the control and experimental groups, with 15 students in each group. To achieve the research objectives, the researcher designed a scale for Metacognition skills. The results revealed statistically significant differences between the average scores of the experimental group and the control group in some Metacognition skills (planning, monitoring, and control) in the post-application phase in favor of the experimental group, which studied using virtual laboratories. Furthermore, the results indicated a significant effect size of using virtual laboratories in developing Metacognition skills among third-grade female students in Jeddah. Based on the findings, the research recommends the utilization of virtual laboratory technology in teaching physics and the organization of training courses for physics teachers.
View it in PDFDifferentiating Mathematics for Gifted Children: A Professional Development Project for In-Service Teachers
Deniz Özen Ünal Ahmet BildirenPages: 0-0
Gifted children should receive education that is appropriate to their potential, but the question is whether this is possible without a great deal of teacher competence. This project aims to increase the professional competence of mathematics teachers who were provided with training on the appropriate strategies for gifted students. In this study the knowledge and views of the teachers about the giftedness and the information used in gifted education is investigated. In the training process, seminars were provided regarding the teaching strategies used in gifted education, challenging mathematical tasks to be used to reveal and develop potential, and the differentiation of teaching with the help of technology. The participants of the study were 25 middle/high school in-service mathematics teachers from 17 provinces throughout the country. The teachers learned the teaching strategies for the gifted, and they provided enrichment using challenging mathematical tasks and technological tools.
View it in PDFExploring the Impact of Special Learning Disability Diagnosis on Family Dynamics: A Parental Perspective
Fatih Eray Ercan ÖpenginPages: 0-0
The aim of this study was to examine parental views on the effect of having a child diagnosed with a special learning disability on families. In line with the purpose of the research, phenomenological design, a qualitative research approach, was used. The study group consists of the parents of 12 children diagnosed with special learning disabilities, who are students in schools affiliated to the Van Province National Education Directorate in the 2022–2023 academic year. The data collection tools of the research are semi-structured interview questions with 24 questions and a demographic information form, which was created by the researchers, taking the opinions of 3 different experts. The obtained data were converted into themes. Themes of the research; the pre-diagnosis process, the diagnostic process, family relations, and social relations. Parents reported that there was no change in their social life after their child received this diagnosis. However, they stated that they avoided talking to people outside their close circle about the diagnosis of special learning disabilities in their children. They said that the relations between parents were not affected by the diagnosis of special learning disability, but the relations between siblings and children with special learning difficulties were badly affected. In addition, it has been observed that families do not have sufficient information about the diagnosis of special learning disability. In this context, informative studies to be conducted in schools for parents about special learning disabilities may enable them to be noticed earlier and to better adjust their expectations for their children ’s performance.
View it in PDFInvestigating Earthquake Anxiety Levels of Child Development Associate Degree Student
Seda Eskidemir MeralPages: 0-0
After the February 6 earthquakes in 2023 in the South-east of Turkey, this study, which was conducted to examine the earthquake anxiety levels of associate degree students of child development according to various variables, is a survey model. The study population consists of associate degree students of the child development department. The study sample consists of 212 students who volunteered to participate in the study at Akdeniz University and Osmaniye Korkut Ata University in the associate degree program of child development. The data were collected online through the Personal Information Form and Earthquake Anxiety Scale (Bal & Akgül, 2023). As a result of the study, it was determined that the earthquake anxiety levels of associate degree students in child development differed significantly according to gender, age, being in one of the provinces affected by the earthquake, losing a relative in the earthquake, and the destruction of their houses. During the February 6 earthquakes, it was found that the earthquake anxiety levels of female child development associate degree students who were in one of the provinces affected by the earthquake, whose houses were destroyed and who lost their relatives in the earthquake, and who were 19 years of age or older was higher than the others. It was determined that the earthquake anxiety levels of associate degree students of child development did not differ significantly depending on the grade level and the type of graduated high school.
View it in PDF