Abstract:

This study attempted to investigate the views of the prospective early childhood and English language teachers on teaching English in early years which is becoming a rapidly growing part of the early childhood education sector, especially in private preschools in Turkey. In the study, 80 prospective English language teachers and 76 prospective Early Childhood teachers in Marmara University were asked to probe their general perceptions and views about English language teaching in early years. The study utilized mixed-method study employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In this context, a questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of 156 participants in an English Language Teaching (ELT) and Early Childhood Education (ECE) department. The study revealed that although the subjects were aware of the importance of teaching a foreign language at earlier ages, they didn't have some ideas about how to implement that education. They also shared their ideas about the deficiencies of teacher preparation programs in terms of early foreign language teaching. Findings of the study may have important implications for professional choices and English teacher identities in private preschools and for some courses in English Language Teaching and Early Childhood Education departments of universities.

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