The opinions of Turkish teachers on teaching methods and techniques

Abstract

The main purpose of the study is evaluation of methods and techniques that Turkish teachers use during learning and teaching process according to their own perceptions. Qualitative research method and half structured interview technique was used in the study. The sample of the study consisted of 13 Turkish teachers, working in primary schools in the centre of Aydın. During sample gathering process, teachers were acknowledged about the research and only the volunteer teachers attended to the study. During the interviews, recorder was not used; notes were taken by the researcher instead. Half structured interview form used in the
study was prepared by the research team. The form was made up of 6 questions and each interview lasted approximately 20 minutes. The data, gained from the interviews was analysed by content analysis. According to the qualitative findings, methods and techniques which Turkish teachers feel comfortable with were narration with a sample text, discussion, question and answer, brain storming and drama. Teachers expressed that they took advantage of these methods and techniques frequently. In addition, they said that while deciding which techniques and methods to be used, they took into consideration the content. Especially for the content of Turkish lesson, they stated that during reading and writing teaching process they prefer methods with improving oral and written expression; for grammar subjects they preferred to use more teacher centred methods. And also teachers indicated that when they come across a position that their students have difficulty with understanding, they prefer to explain the subject again. Because of the crowded classes and other lack of physical capacity problems, they stated that they avoid student centred methods and techniques.