An investigation of early literacy teaching in old and new primary education curriculum in Turkey

This study aims to explore and contrast the views of primary school teachers on the issue of early literacy teaching methods in old and new curriculum. To reach the above mentioned goal, this research has utilized field survey approach to the issue. The sample of the study was taken from the teachers working in the primary schools of Antakya county of Hatay province during the 2008/2009 academic semester. A survey questionnaire with multiple choice, comparative, and open ended items was used in order to gather the required data. Data gathered from the participants were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 statistical program. Frequency distributions, percentages, and comparisons of the responses were the main analytical techniques conducted throughout the research.The results of the study indicate that teachers viewed the application and use of the the new method, Phonemic Based Sentence Method (PBSM), to be more effective and easier compared to the other method of Decoding/Analysis Method (D/AM). However, participant teachers also expressed concerns about the difficulties related to teaching the adjacent italic scripts, lack of comprehension activities, inadequacy of visual and written materials to be the main disadvantages of the new method of Phonemic Based Sentence Method (PBSM).Key Words: Primary School, Primary School Teacher, Phonemic Based Sentence Method (PBSM), Decoding/Analysis Method (D/AM)