A Qualitative Research Investigation of Project and Performance Tasks Held in Primary Schools

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Project and performance tasks that have been used in primary school program to improve higher level mental skills since 2005-2006 education year and that were prepared according to constructivist approach have brought an understanding different from traditional assessment. According to the results related to project and performance tasks where process-based approach is adopted, it is emphasized that teachers and families experience some problems during the process. The aim of this study which was designed according to the given results is to reveal teacher and family opinions related to project and performance tasks held in primary school first grades. The participants of the study where qualitative research design was applied were 15 class teachers working at primary schools in Eskisehir city center in 2008-2009 fall semester and 16 parents whose children are attending the mentioned schools. In the study maximum diversity sampling method which is one of the sampling methods was used. The analysis of the data collected through semi-structured interview technique were done by using descriptive analysis technique. The results of the study revealed that according to classroom teachers project and performance tasks improve students’ self-confidence; however, in group projects only the leading students could have this self-confidence. When the results related to families are taken into consideration, families believe that project and performance tasks help students to be more social and improve their self-confidence.

Stream: Curriculum and Pedagogy; Student Learning, Learner Experiences, Learner Diversity

Paper: , , A Qualitative Research Related to Project and Performance Tasks Held in Primary Schools,

M. Bahaddin Acat is a member Associate Professor in Faculty of Education in Eskisehir Osmangazi University in Turkey. He has a PhD on Curriculum and Instruction Program and his research interests are curriculum and instruction program, constructivist approach, measuring and evaluation in education.

Working as a research assistant in Faculty of Education, Department of Primary Education in Anadolu University in Turkey and attending master of arts (MA) degree program in primary school education.