How is Multicultural Education Perceived in Elementary Schools in Turkey? A Case Study

Abstract

This research aims to examine the current situation of multicultural education in elementary schools. Therefore, the views of the classroom teachers on multicultural education have been examined and multicultural education activities have been observed in the classes. Having a case study research method which is considered as one of the qualitative research designs, the study hosts a total of 15 classroom teachers who worked in the province of Elazig during the 2016 and 2017 academic year. The maximum variation sampling method has been used in the research. The research has employed semi-structured interview and observation forms. The research data has been analyzed through content analysis. Research results have revealed that most of the teachers perceive multicultural education as education presented to the individuals with different ethnic identities. Teachers' perceptions towards multicultural education have been identified to be similar in terms of their gender, seniority and educational status. Teachers mostly do student-centred activities related to multicultural education, use drama and case studies in their classes. While practising multicultural education, teachers mostly encounter with student-related problems. The majority of the people have recommended that parents be trained on the relevant subject. Similar results have emerged in the observations made by the researcher. Based on the research findings, several recommendations have been provided. Primary school curricula should be organized taking multicultural education into consideration, and the problems identified by teachers should be eliminated by those concerned.

Comparison of German Sachunterricht and Turkish Life Studies Courses Curricula in the Context of Multicultural Education

“…It can be said that the outcomes of "equality, respect for differences (value) and democratic participation" in both countries are an indicator of this. The findings obtained as a result of this research are compatible with literature studies (Akhan & Yalçın, 2016;Aslan, 2019;Bakır & Akcan, 2021;.…”

“…When the literature studies are examined, studies on multicultural education in the international literature (Abdullah & Abdullah, 2018;Akçaoğlu & Arsal, 2021;Aslan, 2019;Arphattananon, 2020;Debbag & Fidan, 2020;Dwiningrum et al, 2021;Doucette, 2021;Gezer, 2018;Kim, 2020;Karacabey et al, 2018;Köker & Erdoğan, 2020;Kuppens, 2020;Shen, 2019;Layfield, 2021;Lawyer, 2018;Liu et al, 2020;Olur & Oğuz, 2019;Yang, 2021;Young, 2020;Young & Mindrila, 2020;Janakiraman et al, 2019;Zammit, 2021). Studies in the national literature (Acar & Aydın, 2014;Açıkalın, 2010;Arslan, 2016;Akhan & Yalçın, 2016;Çağrır et al, 2014;Coşkun, 2012;Demir & Çağrır, 2013;Gürel, 2013;Karadağ & Özden, 2020 ;Koçak & Özdemir, 2015;Polat & Akcan, 2017;Polat & Kılıç, 2013;Polat, 2009;Ünlü & Örten, 2013;Özdemir & Dil, 2013); studies examining curriculums in terms of multiculturalism (Beldağ & Teymur, 2018;Taş, 2019;Seban & Uyanık, 2016;Öteleş, 2020); There are studies (Akar & Keyvanoğlu, 2009;...…”

The Pattern of the Teaching of Multiculturalism-Based Civics Education: A Case Study at Higher Education Institutions

“…According to Krek et al (2019), moral education plans must be an important factor by paying attention to the principles, norms, rules, and so on for teachers, students, and parents. Thus, relevant to multiculturalism which has led to the emergence of multicultural education (Aslan, 2019). Bromley and Makinen (2011) point out that civics education is the teaching which always emphasizes the existence of multiculturalism so that it can be said that if people want to learn about multiculturalism, they have to learn about civic education.…”

Development of Learning Methods through Songs and Movements to Improve Children’s Cognitive and Psychomotor Aspects

“…In this initial phase, researchers used observation and documentation techniques to obtain information from the field about conditions that occurred. The observation technique is a means of collecting data in naturally observing the environment to get an overview of events (Arslan, 2018). Observations were made on four Sunday schools in Makassar City with each duration of approximately 2 hours.…”