Examining the competencies of primary school teachers toward values education

This study was conducted to examine the competencies of primary school teachers about the values education. The mixed method including qualitative and quantitative methods was applied in the study. Two types of sampling method were used. The stratified sampling method was applied to collect the quantitative data. The sample determined by this method was classified during 2014–2015 educational year as low, medium and high level in terms of socio-economic conditions of primary schools in Muratpaşa, Konyaaltı, Kepez, Döşemealtı and Aksu which were central districts of Antalya. Using the stratified method, 18 primary schools were chosen from these subgroups. The sample is composed of 210 primary school teachers working at 18 primary schools chosen by the researcher. The criterion sampling method which was one of the purposive sampling methods is used to collect the qualitative data. Applying this method, 12 primary school teachers were chosen and sample was constituted. While the quantitative data was collected using the scale "Primary School Teachers' Competencies About Values Education" developed by the researcher, the qualitative data was gathered using observation form developed by the researcher. The quantitative and qualitative data of the study were analyzed using SPSS21 packaged software. According to the results acquired from the quantitative and qualitative findings, the competencies of primary school teachers on values education, improving a value, using values education approaches and implementing values education were found as "sufficient" Furthermore, the values education competencies of primary school teachers were not significantly different according to gender, marital status, professional experience and having in-service education.