Abstract:

The aim of this study is to examine the metaphorical perceptions of education faculty students towards the concept of communication. The working group of the research, in which the phenomenological design of qualitative approach is adopted, consists of 156 students studying in different departments of the Faculty of Education of a university in the Black Sea Region. Data collection technique through metaphors was used in the study. The metaphor form developed by the researchers was used to collect data. In the form, "I think communication is similar to ……….". Because ……… .. ”expression was included and students were asked to fill in the blanks. No limits were placed on the students regarding the metaphors they would develop, so it was attempted to obtain rich data as it should be in a qualitative research, without impeding the images in their minds. In the process of analyzing the collected data, coding and sorting, sample metaphor image compilation, category development and ensuring validity and reliability stages were followed, respectively. With the analysis, it was determined that the students produced a total of 507 valid metaphor images. As a result of the research, 10 conceptual categories were obtained by gathering metaphor images related to the concept of communication under a common theme. It has been observed that the metaphors produced by the students regarding the concept of communication are mostly concentrated in the category of "communication as an element that makes life easier and provides return". In general, it was concluded that students' perceptions of the concept of communication were positive. In addition, it was determined that students have awareness of how important communication and communication skills are in human life.

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