Challenges of Syrian Refugees in Turkish Public Schools: A Qualitative Inquiry

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: Educating Refugees Around the World: Theoretical and Practical Considerations

Abstract

This qualitative case study explores the educational status of Syrian refugees at Turkish schools and the perspectives of teachers and school principals regarding the needs of Syrian refugee students in two inner-city elementary schools in Istanbul, Turkey. The findings show that Turkish public schools provide many Syrian children in Istanbul with access to education and a welcoming and secure learning environment. However, poor school conditions, linked to the potentially limited capacities of teachers and the shortage of sufficiently trained teachers able to instruct refugees, inadequate resources and inappropriate curriculum planning impede the provision of high-quality education.

Authors

• Hasan Aydin, Florida Gulf Coast University

• Burhan Ozfidan, Florida Gulf Coast University