International Association of Educators   |  ISSN: 1949-4270   |  e-ISSN: 1949-4289

Original article | Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research 2022, Vol. 17(3) 102-124

Challenges and Solutions of Syrian Refugee Children in the Process of Acquiring Basic Language Skills

Halil Taş & Muhammet Baki Minaz

pp. 102 - 124   |  DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/epasr.2022.461.5   |  Manu. Number: MANU-2204-04-0003

Published online: September 01, 2022  |   Number of Views: 119  |  Number of Download: 419


Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the problems experienced by Syrian refugee children in the 1st grade primary school in the process of acquiring basic Turkish language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and the solutions to these problems according to the views of teachers, parents and students. Since the most Syrian refugees in the world are in Turkey, this study was based on basic language skills in Turkish. This research was designed as a survey model. The study group of the research consists of 126 classroom teachers, 15 parents and 15 students. In the research, criterion sampling method was used to determine the participants to be surveyed, and snowball sampling method was used to determine the participants to be interviewed. The research data were collected with the data collection tool titled "Teachers' Opinions on Basic Language Skills" developed by the researcher and a semi-structured interview form. Frequency (f) and percentages (%) were used in the analysis of quantitative data, and descriptive analysis technique was used in the analysis of qualitative data. It has been concluded that Syrian refugee children have problems in describing the text they listen to determining the subject of what they listen, and answering questions about what they listen. In the study, it was determined that Syrian refugee children had severe problems related to the acquisition and use of basic Turkish language skills. It has been concluded that these children can be solved by providing basic Turkish language skills with contemporary approaches, methods and techniques enriched with appropriate materials and supported by technology and cultural elements.

Keywords: Turkish language, Turkish course, basic language skills, migration refugee children, literacy


How to Cite this Article?

APA 6th edition
Tas, H. & Minaz, M.B. (2022). Challenges and Solutions of Syrian Refugee Children in the Process of Acquiring Basic Language Skills . Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 17(3), 102-124. doi: 10.29329/epasr.2022.461.5

Harvard
Tas, H. and Minaz, M. (2022). Challenges and Solutions of Syrian Refugee Children in the Process of Acquiring Basic Language Skills . Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 17(3), pp. 102-124.

Chicago 16th edition
Tas, Halil and Muhammet Baki Minaz (2022). "Challenges and Solutions of Syrian Refugee Children in the Process of Acquiring Basic Language Skills ". Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research 17 (3):102-124. doi:10.29329/epasr.2022.461.5.

References
  1. Ager, A., & Strang, A. (2008). Understanding integration: A conceptual framework. Journal of Refugee Studies, 21(2), 166-191. [Google Scholar]
  2. Akkaya, A. (2013). Syrian refugees’ perception of the Turkish language. EKEV Academy Journal, 17(56), 179-90. [Google Scholar]
  3. Ates, H., & Yavuz, O. (2017). Educational problems of Syrian refugees living in Turkey: A field study in Istanbul. In A. Yatkin (Ed.), International 11th Public Administration Symposium (pp. 1405-1417). Elazig: Firat University [Google Scholar]
  4. Aykiri, K. (2017). Views of classroom teachers on the educational status of Syrian students in their classrooms. Turkish Journal of Primary Education, (2), 44-56 [Google Scholar]
  5. Bahadir, H., & Ucku, R. (2016). Working situations and the factors affecting the working situation of Syrian children between the age of 6-17 living in a neighbourhood of İzmir. Journal of Dokuz Eylul University Medical Faculty, 30(3), 117-124. [Google Scholar]
  6. Bakeman, R., & Gottman, J. M. (1997). Observing interaction: Introduction to sequential analysis. Cambridge University Press. [Google Scholar]
  7. Bilgin, N. (2014). Content analysis in social sciences: Techniques and case studies. Siyasi Bookstore [Google Scholar]
  8. Bolukbas, F. (2016). The language needs analysis of Syrian refugees: İstanbul sample. The Journal of International Social Research, 9(46), 21-31 [Google Scholar]
  9. Borrell, R. (2010). A review of second language learning factors for refugee populations. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Minnesota [Google Scholar]
  10. Boyatsiz, R. E. (1998). Thematic analysis and code development: Transforming qualitative information. Sage Publications. [Google Scholar]
  11. Boylu, E. (2020). Turkish Language in the perspective of Syrian refugee students: A metaphor study. Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 15(4), 214-233. doi: 10.29329/epasr.2020.323.12 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  12. Buyukikiz, K. K., & Cangal, O. (2016). An evaluation on teaching Turkish to Syrian guest students project. International Journal of Turkish Literature Culture Education, 5(3), 1414-1430. [Google Scholar]
  13. Buyukozturk, S., Cakmak, E. K., Akgun, O. E., Karadeniz, S., & Demirel, F. (2021). Scientific research methods. Pegem Academy Publishing. [Google Scholar]
  14. Cangal, O. (2022). The reasons of Syrians learning Turkish as a second language, their perceptions of turkey and their future expectations. International Journal of Progressive Education, 18(1), 65-84. doi: 10.29329/ijpe.2022.426.5 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  15. Castles, S. (2003). Towards a sociology of forced migration and social transformation. Sociology, 31(1), 13-34. [Google Scholar]
  16. Coskun, İ., & Emin, M. N. (2016). A roadmap for the education of Syrians in Turkey: Opportunities and Challenges. SETA Foundation Publications. [Google Scholar]
  17. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage Publications. [Google Scholar]
  18. Demir, O.O. (2015). Migration policies, social concerns and Syrian refugees. Global Policy and Strategy Institute Publication [Google Scholar]
  19. Demiral, H., & Yavuz, S. (2016) Out of class learning environments in teaching Turkish as a foreign language. Journal of Education and Humanities: Theory and Practice, 7(13), 129-146 [Google Scholar]
  20. Demirci, M. (2015). Determinations related to reading aloud skills of Syrian Turkish learning students in level B1. Turkish Studies, 10(7), 333-358. doi: 10.7827/TurkishStudies.8149 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  21. Demirel, O., & Sahinel, M.  (2006). Teaching Turkish for Turkish and classroom teachers. Pegem Academy Publishing. [Google Scholar]
  22. DGMM (Directorate General of Migration Management). (2021). Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.goc.gov.tr/gecici-koruma5638 [Google Scholar]
  23. Donmez, M. I., & Paksoy, S. (2015). A survey on the problems confronted by the Syrian students during their Turkish courses they take in Turkey: Kilis 7 Aralik University sample. International Journal of Languages’ Education and Teaching, 3(2), 1907-1919. [Google Scholar]
  24. Dorman, S. (2014). Educational needs assessment for urban Syrian refugees in Turkey. Retrieved from https://data.unhcr.org/syrianrefugees/download.php?id=7898. [Google Scholar]
  25. Emin, M. N. (2016). Education of Syrian children in Turkey: Basic education policies. SETA Foundation Publications. [Google Scholar]
  26. Eryaman M.Y. & Evran S.,(2019). Syrian Refugee Students’ Lived Experiences at Temporary Education Centres in Turkey, in: Education, Immigration and Migration, Khalid Arar, Jeffrey S. Brooks, Ira Bogotch, Eds., Emerald Publishing [Google Scholar]
  27. EU (European Union). (2004). Common basic principles for immigrant integration policy in the European Union. Retrieved from http://www.europa.eu/rapid/press-release- 04321_en. [Google Scholar]
  28. Evran, S., Riedler, M. & Eryaman, M.Y. (2020). Geçici Eğitim Merkezlerinde Görev Yapan Suriyeli ve Türk Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Öğretmenlik Deneyimleri Üzerine Bir Yaşam Öyküsü Araştırması . Akdeniz Eğitim Araştırmaları Dergisi, 14(32), 220-248. [Google Scholar]
  29. Gocer, A. (2015). The place, functions and teaching of grammar learning area in the development of basic language skills: a thematic approach in the integrity principle and induction method axis. Journal of Research in Education and Teaching, 4(1), 233-242 [Google Scholar]
  30. Gozubuyuk T. M. (2017). Situation of Syrian children under temporary protection in Trabzon public schools. Migration Journal, 4(2), 119-152. [Google Scholar]
  31. Gun, M. (2015). The views of teachers teaching Turkish to foreigners regarding the Turkish culture transfer to Syrian refugees learning Turkish tent city region in Adiyaman. Cappadocia Journal of History and Social Sciences, (5), 119-138. [Google Scholar]
  32. Gun, M., & Yigit, A. (2020). The Views of Instructors on teaching speaking skills to the Syrian students learning Turkish as a foreign language. Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 15(1), 197-208. doi: 10.29329/epasr.2020.236.11 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  33. Gurel, D., & Buyuksahin, Y. (2020). Education of Syrian refugee children in Turkey: Reflections from the application. International Journal of Progressive Education, 16(5), 426-442. doi: 10.29329/ijpe.2020.277.26 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  34. International Organization for Migration. (2019). Glossary on migration. Retrieved from https://publications.iom.int/system/files/pdf/iml_34_glossary.pdf [Google Scholar]
  35. Kara, M., & Ozenc, M. (2020). A multidimensional approach to the problems experienced by the classroom teachers with Syrian students in their classes. International Journal of Progressive Education, 16(6), 184-201. doi: 10.29329/ijpe.2020.280.11 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  36. Karasar, N. (2020). Scientific research method: Concepts, principles and techniques. Nobel Academy Publishing. [Google Scholar]
  37. Karasu, M. A. (2017). Immigration and integration problem. In A. Yatkin (Ed.), International 11th Public Administration Symposium (pp. 631-649). Firat University [Google Scholar]
  38. Kavcar, C., Oguzkan, F., & Hasirci, S. (2016). Turkish teaching. Ani Publisher. [Google Scholar]
  39. Keeves, J.P., & Sowden, S. (1994). Descriptive data, analysis of. In T. Husen & N. Postlethwaite (Eds.), The International Encyclopedia of Education (pp.1464-1475). Pergamon. [Google Scholar]
  40. Kesten, A., Kiroglu, K., & Elma, C. (2010). Language and education problems of international students in Turkey. MANAS Journal of Social Studies, (24), 6-85 [Google Scholar]
  41. Keyes, F.E., & Kane, F.C. (2004). Belonging and adapting: Mental health of Bosnian refugees living in the United States. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, (25), 809-831. [Google Scholar]
  42. Kiroglu, K., Kesten, A., & Elma, C. (2010). Socio-cultural and economical problems of undergraduate international students in Turkey. Mersin University Journal of the Faculty of Education, 6 (2), 26-39. [Google Scholar]
  43. Kirova, A. (2001). Loneliness in immigrant children: Implications for classroom practice. Childhood Education, (77), 260-267. [Google Scholar]
  44. Kizil, O., & Donmez, C. (2017). Education services provided by Turkey to Syrian asylum seekers and evaluation of some problems in the context of social studies education. International Journal of Education Technology and Scientific Researches, (4), 207-239. [Google Scholar]
  45. Levent, F., & Cayak, S. (2017). School administrators’ views on Syrian students’ education in Turkey. Journal of Hasan Ali Yücel Faculty of Education, 14(27), 21-46 [Google Scholar]
  46. Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage Publications. [Google Scholar]
  47. Maden, S., & Durukan, E. (2011). Problems in education of basic language skills. Pegem Academy Publishing. [Google Scholar]
  48. McBrien, J. L. (2005). Educational needs and barriers for refugee students in the United States: A review of the literature. Review of Educational Research, 75(3), 329–364. [Google Scholar]
  49. Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2020). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook. Sage Publications. [Google Scholar]
  50. Ministry of National Education. (2019). Turkish course curriculum. Ministry of National Education Publications. [Google Scholar]
  51. Ozer, Y. Y., Komsuoglu, A., & Atesok, Z. O. (2016). Education of Syrian children in Turkey: Problems and suggestions. The Journal of Academic Social Science, 4(37), 185-219. [Google Scholar]
  52. Patton, M.Q. (2018). Qualitative research and evaluation methods. Sage Publications [Google Scholar]
  53. Rah, Y., Choi, S., & Nguyen, T.S.T. (2009). Building bridges between refugee parents and schools. International Journal of Leadership in Educational, 12(4), 347-365. [Google Scholar]
  54. Roxas, K.C. (2011). Creating communities: Working with refugee students in classrooms. Democracy and Education, 19(2), 1-8. [Google Scholar]
  55. Sarıtas, E., Sahin, U., & Catalbas, G. (2016). Problems faced with foreign students in primary schools. Pamukkale University Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 25(1), 208-229. [Google Scholar]
  56. Sever, S. (1998). Language and communication (effective written and oral expression). Ankara University Journal of Faculty of Educational Sciences (JFES), 31(1), 51-66. [Google Scholar]
  57. Sever, S. (2003). New structuring studies in Turkish teaching. Journal of Turkology Research, (13), 27-38. [Google Scholar]
  58. Sever, S. (2015). Turkish teaching and complete Learning. Anı Publishing. [Google Scholar]
  59. Seydi, A. R. (2014). Policies of Turkey regarding the solution of educational problems of Syrian refugees. SDU Faculty of Arts and Sciences Journal of Social Sciences, (31), 267-305. [Google Scholar]
  60. Seymen, H., & Tok, M. (2015). The identification and classification of cultural language elements that give difficulties to advanced foreign students. International Journal of Turkish Literature, Culture and Education, 4(3), 1188-1212. [Google Scholar]
  61. Silverman, D. (2006). Interpreting qualitative data: Methods for analyzing talk, text and interaction. Sage Publications [Google Scholar]
  62. Simsir, Z., & Dilmac, B. (2018). Problems teachers' face and solution proposals in the schools where the foreign students are educated. Elementary Education Online, 17(2), 1116-1134 [Google Scholar]
  63. Suarez-Orozco, C., & Suarez-Orozco, M. M. (2001). Children of immigration. Harvard University Press. [Google Scholar]
  64. Tunc, A.S. (2015). Refugee behaviour and its social effects: An assessment of Syrians in Turkey. Turkish Journal of TESAM Academy, 2(2), 29-63 [Google Scholar]
  65. Tuncer, M., & Dikmen, M. (2017). Education problems of immigrants and solution suggestions. In A. Yatkın (Ed.), International 11th Public Administration Symposium (pp. 1419-1427). Firat University [Google Scholar]
  66. Tut, E., Kiroglu, K., & Bayraktar, G. (2018). An examination of the metaphorical perceptions of Syrian and Turkish students towards the concept of teacher and school. The Journal of International Social Research, 11(56), 676-694 [Google Scholar]
  67. Unalan, S. (2006). Turkish teaching. Nobel Publishing. [Google Scholar]
  68. Uzun, E. M., & Butun, E. (2016). Syrian refugees in pre-school education institutions teacher about the problems children face feedback. International Journal of Early Childhood Education Studies, 1(1), 72-83.  [Google Scholar]
  69. Yalcın, S. K., & Ozek, F. (2006). Effects of vocabulary on acquaring basic language skills and academic disciplines. Journal of National Education, (171), 130-139 [Google Scholar]
  70. Yildirim, A., & Simsek, H. (2018). Qualitative research methods in the social sciences. Seckin Publications. [Google Scholar]