An analysis of 8th grade Turkish coursebooks in terms of values education and folklorie elements

The purpose of this research is to identify the elements of folklore included in 8th-grade Turkish textbooks taught in secondary schools and to reveal their relationship to values education. The study attempts to identify the role that folklore works play in conveying and instilling values in students. The research was conducted using a document review method within the framework of a qualitative research approach. Eighth-grade Turkish textbooks taught in the 2024-2025 academic year were examined, and the folklore elements included in the textbooks were identified and evaluated using content analysis. Furthermore, the relationship between values education and folk culture was discussed at a theoretical level, drawing on expert opinions and relevant research in the literature.Analysis revealed that the textbooks incorporate various elements of folklore, such as folk literature, traditions, customs, and folk medicine. These elements are seen as an attempt to instill core values such as honesty, diligence, and patriotism in students. However, it was also revealed that folklore elements are used extensively in the transmission of some values, while others are limited in their use.The findings demonstrate that elements of folklore in Turkish textbooks are a functional tool for supporting values education. This demonstrates that textbooks are not limited to language teaching but also play a crucial role in conveying cultural and moral values to students.