Examining Hidden Curriculum of Anatolian Teacher Training High Schools in Terms of Preparation for Teaching Profession

Abstract

The aim of this research is to reveal how hidden curriculum of Anatolian Teacher Training High Schools (ATTHS) influenced these schools’ curricular goals. The research was carried out as a qualitative case study with a sample of 11 ATTHS graduate, studying at 1st grade of Uludağ University Education Faculty English Language Teaching or Special Education departments. For data collection a semi-structured interview form, developed by researchers, and for data analysis inductive content analysis were used. According to results, students prefer ATTHS to get qualified education or to deserve extra points at University Entrance Exam rather than to be a teacher. In ATTHS, there are messages related to teaching profession as pictures and writings on the walls of the building but not help students develop positive attitude toward teaching profession. Students think that in ATTHS Teacher Certificate Courses are not attached importance and instruction of these courses is not proper. Attitude and behavior of teachers and administrators do not include messages, improving and reinforcing students affective characteristics related to teaching. To sum up, hidden curriculum of ATTHS does not coincide with goals of these schools yet they even contradict. The aim of this research is to reveal how hidden curriculum of Anatolian Teacher Training High Schools (ATTHS) influenced these schools’ curricular goals. The research was carried out as a qualitative case study with a sample of 11 ATTHS graduate, studying at 1st grade of Uludağ University Education Faculty English Language Teaching or Special Education departments. For data collection a semi-structured interview form, developed by researchers, and for data analysis inductive content analysis were used. According to results, students prefer ATTHS to get qualified education or to deserve extra points at University Entrance Exam rather than to be a teacher. In ATTHS, there are messages related to teaching profession as pictures and writings on the walls of the building but not help students develop positive attitude toward teaching profession. Students think that in ATTHS Teacher Certificate Courses are not attached importance and instruction of these courses is not proper. Attitude and behavior of teachers and administrators do not include messages, improving and reinforcing students affective characteristics related to teaching. To sum up, hidden curriculum of ATTHS does not coincide with goals of these schools yet they even contradict.

Keywords: Educational Sciences, Teacher Education, Hidden Curriculum, High School, Case Study