Preschool teachers' views on learning centers and their classroom applications

This study was conducted to investigate the views of preschool teachers on learning centers and in-class practices. In this study, the method of research was determined as a mixed method because both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used together.In this study, which uses the mixed method, the data was collected through survey and interview. The universe of the research is composed of 395 preschool teachers working in public schools affiliated with MEB in the spring semester of the 2018-2019 academic year in Kutahya Province. The sample of the research is 206 teachers working in the center of Kütahya Province and some district centers who fill out the survey form. As data collection tools in the study, 17 open-ended questions are asked about the "Teacher Views Survey for the Use of Preschool Learning Centers" and the teachers' views on the use of learning centers in their classrooms. "semi-structured interview form". The data obtained as a result of the research were evaluated in a computer environment and the analysis was done with the SPSS program. Descriptive factor analysis within the scope of the validity studies of the teacher views survey for the use of learning centers; As part of the reliability study, the total correlation of the article and the Cronbach Alpha methods were used, and the survey was concluded to be valid and reliable. The findings were interpreted by painting. In addition, preschool teachers' comments on the subject were analyzed with "Content Analysis". Teacher view scores for the use of pre-school learning centers do not differ significantly depending on the gender of teachers, the level of education, the age group of children taught by teachers, and the professional seniority of teachers, in the classroom, it was found that the learning center differed significantly depending on the usage status and the duration of use of the learning center. Teachers consider themselves sufficient to regulate and use learning centers, the lack of physical conditions, lack of materials and the lack of class problems encountered, children gender is determined to be effective in the selection of learning center. Keywords: Preschool, learning center, teacher opinions, classroom practice