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CLASSROOM TEACHERS’ VIEWS ON THE PHYSICAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN TURKEY

Year 2021, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 180 - 192, 30.06.2021

Abstract

School buildings with inadequate infrastructure and old-fashioned architectural styles cause problems, especially in developing countries. This study aims to examine the views of primary school teachers on the physical learning environments of primary schools. A case study method was adopted in this study. The participants of the study consisted of 14 classroom teachers working in rural and urban areas. The synchronous online focus group interviews were conducted using Zoom, a commercial web conference service, as a data collection method. A content analysis method was used in the analysis of the data. The analyses of the semi-structured interviews with the classroom teachers produced four categories-i.e., planning related shortcomings, infrastructure deficiency, child-friendly schools, and the advantages of these schools. Responses of classroom teachers working in urban areas mostly focused on the crowding of schools. On the other hand, the answers from the classroom teachers working in rural areas mostly focused on the physical infrastructure of primary schools. Furthermore, suggestions from all participants pointed out that primary schools must have a more child-friendly characteristic. The physical learning environments of primary schools require compliance with the needs of modern pedagogy. In light of the findings, some suggestions were have been made for primary schools in Turkey.

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Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Other Fields of Education
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Mehmet Gültekin This is me 0000-0002-5281-1767

Gözde Özenç İra This is me 0000-0001-6046-0306

Publication Date June 30, 2021
Published in Issue Year 2021 Volume: 10 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Gültekin, M., & Özenç İra, G. (2021). CLASSROOM TEACHERS’ VIEWS ON THE PHYSICAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN TURKEY. International Online Journal of Primary Education, 10(1), 180-192.

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