Abstract:

The main aim of this study is to identify the problems encountered in teaching Turkish as a foreign language and suggestions for the solution of these problems according to preschool teachers. A qualitative approach was adopted in the research so as to acquire information on the problems and suggestions in depth. Moreover in order to find answers to the sub-problems of the study, a semi-structured interview form was prepared. Based on the participation criteria of having at least two foreign students who cannot use Turkish adequately in their class and the criteria for the class including 60-72 months old group, 10 preschool teachers working in public and private primary and kindergartens affiliated to the Ministry of National Education were interviewed and asked to answer the questions. The data obtained at the end of the interview were analyzed with content analysis. In the study, the problems faced by preschool teachers were discussed in terms of the curriculum, teaching-learning process, cultural differences, and academic competencies, and suggestions were presented. It was determined that the most common problem faced by the teachers was the language problem in the teaching-learning process, and they also encountered problems such as unwillingness to participate in language activities and misapplication of the instruction.

Keywords: