The comparison of foreign language curriculums applied in both European Union countries and Turkey

This research aims at determining the similarities and differences between theEnglish Curricula applied in primary and lower secondary education in EU countries andTurkey.In this research, survey method has been used since the aim of this research is topresent the existing situation as it is. The subject of the research is constituted of 8 EUcountries (Germany, Czech Republic, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Hungary, andGreece). The information about the curricula and their application has been gatheredtogether by the review of literature via Internet. In this research, the detail description ofcurriculum has been carried out by giving information about EU countries? foreignlanguage curriculum (English), their applications and their historical backgrounds, andthen, the similarities and differences between the English Curricula have been identified.The comparison of English curriculum in EU countries and Turkey is made in respect ofthe objectives, the contents, the learning situations and the testing situations. The findingshave been interpreted and recommendations have been made.According to the results of the research:1. Listening and speaking skills are focused in foreign language curriculum in the firststage of primary education in EU countries, but in Turkey, four main skills (listening,speaking, reading, writing) are focused.2. Objectives reflect learning process in English curriculum in both Turkey and EUcountries. Writing principles of objectives and behaviors are followed in Turkishcurriculum. Objectives related to Socio-cultural element and intercultural understandingexist in English curriculum of EU countries but such objectives are not exist in Englishcurriculum in Turkey.3. The content and the methodology are presented one within the other in Englishcurriculum in EU Countries (investigated) and it is seen that generally the content isconsistent with objectives in English curriculum in both Turkey and EU countries.4. English curriculum in Turkey is designed as compatible with Common EuropeanFramework5. In learning situations of English curriculum of both Turkey and EU Countries,common items that should be considered by teachers are determined as: foreign languageshould be student-centered, teachers should let students be active in the class, classactivities should be depended on games, oral language practices should be given priority,learning situations supplying students? motivations and fostering learning desire should becreated , original audio-visual documents should be supplied.6. It is seen that the advised materials for teaching in learning situations of Englishcurriculum of both Turkey and EU Countries are compatible with the latest technology.7. Process evaluation is existed in the curriculum of the EU countries (France, Germany,Italy, Sweden). In this respect, Turkish curriculum is complied with EU countries? Englishcurriculum. Students? improvements are observed and filed, portfolio assessment is givenpriority.