Determination of Metaphor Perceptions of Students Affected by Natural Disaster for Earthquake in the Context of Inclusive Education: Hatay (Antakya)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare the metaphorical perceptions of earthquakes by preschool and primary school students. The phenomenology research method, one of the qualitative research designs, was used in the study. While the interview technique was used in the data collection process, modeling and drawing techniques were also used to contribute to the process. The participants of the study consisted of nine students in total, including preschool and primary school I and II levels (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade) students between the ages of 3-5 who were affected by the earthquake in Antakya district of Hatay province. According to the findings obtained, it was determined that the metaphors of preschool students towards the earthquake phenomenon were far from scientific explanations. On the other hand, it was determined that scientific expressions were more common in the metaphor perceptions of primary school second-level students towards the earthquake phenomenon. The fact that the students who were under the influence of the earthquake were separated from their educational environment has caused them to show maturity in a lower group than the class level they were in. Accordingly, it was also determined that they limited the science course only to gamification. Based on the relevant results obtained within the scope of the research, some suggestions were made.