Contribution of Choir Practices to the Integration Process of Immigrant Students

Abstract

This study aimed to identify to what extent the choirpractices ‘mplemented in schools contributed to the integration process of immigrant students. In this study, action research, one of the qualitative research methods, was used as research design and homogeneous sampling method, which is one of the purposeful sampling types, as the sample group. An questionnaire form consisting of 12 open-ended questions and a demographic information form with 3 questions were applied to the study group. Content analysis technique was used to analyze the interviewdata.In line with the results obtained from this study, it was found that the choir practicesimplemented in schools contributed to the sense of belonging of immigrant students and their recognition in their social environment. Furthermore, it was also found that thechoir practices generated positive emotions that supportedstudents’ self-confidence, personal and spiritual development. Moreover, it was revealed that choir practice had positive contributions to students' Turkish reading, writing and speaking skills, the development of their vocabulary, acquisition of cooperative working habits and family and peer relations. In line with these results obtained, it was also found that some of the participants included in the choir practice were exposed to peer bullying. 
 Keywords: Immigrant students, integration, music education, choir practice