Pupils' Perceptions of Learning in Turkey

By:

Previous research indicates that understanding what pupils think about learning is of great importance. However, close examination of research about learning reveals that there are few studies about primary pupils’ perceptions of learning. The focus of this paper is to understand pupils’ perceptions of learning and to what extent pupils perceive learning is important to them. Data was collected from primary school pupils in Istanbul and Canakkale in Turkey. Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory methodology was followed in order to analyse the data. Findings indicated that pupils perceive learning as a process that helps them to grow up. Pupils who have lower socio-cultural and socio-economic background are worried about their future and this situation influences their views about learning. When the researcher interviewed the pupils the new primary curriculum had been recently introduced. Data analysis also revealed that pupils’ views and feelings about learning are formed through the experiences of previous primary curriculum.

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

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

I am a lecturer at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University in Canakkale-Turkey where I teach courses on Teaching Principles and Techniques, Teaching-Learning Process in Primary Education, Classroom Management. My main area of interest is Learning in Primary Education, Curriculum and Instruction. I have conducted and involved in projects about these areas.