Pre-service teachers' opinions on the problems of refugee-asylum-seeking children

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to determine the views of undergraduate teacher candidates on the concepts of refugee and asylum seeker and the problems these children experience. In the study carried out with the qualitative method, the case pattern was used. The sample of the study consists of 18 teacher candidates determined by the criterion sampling method. While determining the sample, pre-service teachers were asked to know concepts such as refugees and asylum seekers, and in this context, students who took or already took the "inclusive language teaching" course were included in the sample. Data were collected with an open-ended question form and the questionnaire consists of 5 questions. After the data was transferred to the computer environment, codes were created with the help of another researcher and the themes were reached by bringing together similar codes. The data of the research were collected from teacher candidates by face-to-face application. When we look at the findings of the research, it is seen that the candidates generally know why refugees and asylum seekers have to migrate from their countries, and they have a good grasp of the problems experienced in the migration process and in the country, they come from. Participants stated that language and communication problems were especially effective on children and this situation would cause problems in participating in education and adapting to society. The candidates, who offered constructive suggestions on the subject, stated that especially refugees and asylum seekers should return to their countries after a certain period of time and that the problems experienced in their countries should be solved and a welfare environment should be created during this period.