Democratic Education in the Republic of Türkiye: Opportunities and Challenges

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Democratic Education in International Contexts (Table 7)

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the possibilities and challenges to democratic education at the elementary level in the Republic of Türkiye. To do this, we draw on interviews with children between 6 and 12 years old regarding their understandings, attitudes, and experiences related to civic engagement. Based on the interviews, our analyses of Türkiye’s life sciences standards, and our review of Türkiye’s life sciences book for Grades 1-3, which is mandatory and distributed free by the Ministry of National Education, we recommend educational approaches and teaching strategies, which were reviewed for feasibility of implementation by an elementary teacher in Türkiye, to support democratic education.

Authors

• Betul Demiray Sandiraz, Michigan State University

• Anne-Lise F. Halvorsen, Michigan State University