Kindergarten Teachers and Primary School Managers' Views About the Reflections on Preschool Education of the 4 + 4 + 4 Education System

Abstract

In this research, it is aimed to determine the view of kindergarten teachers and primary school administrators about the reflections of 4+4+4 education system on pre-school education. The research is designed as a qualitative research. The study group of the research consisted of 42 kindergarten teachers and primary school administrators (principals and vice principals) with 8 years or more professional experience working in the primary schools in Adana province Kozan district, Osmaniye province Kadirli district and Aksaray province Merkez district. Participants were determined by purposeful sampling method among those who experienced the 4 + 4 + 4 education system. The research data were collected using the standardized open-ended interview form prepared. Content analysis and descriptive analysis methods were used in the analysis of the data. According to the results of the content analysis made in line with the opinions of the participants, six themes emerged. These are, “general views on the 4 + 4 + 4 education system, the positive aspects of the 4 + 4 + 4 education system, the negative aspects of the 4 + 4 + 4 education system, the solution suggestions for the problems in the 4 + 4 + 4 education system, effects of 4 + 4+4 education system on pre-school education and arrangements for pre-school education”. According to the research results; pre-school education should be included in the 4+4+4 compulsory education system, primary school should be implemented as 5 years, primary school should not be started at an early age (72 months ago), the preschool education system should be supported in terms of curriculum, auxiliary personnel, field specialist manager, material and physical environment. Preschool education should be more accessible (free) for all children. According to the research findings, pre-school education has been pushed into the background with the 4+4+4 education system; therefore, development and dissemination studies should be given importance.