The comparison of multigrade class and single-grade classteachers metaphors about school concept

The metaphors that frequently is used without being aware in daily life make a thought; more concrete, understandable and explanatory. The aim of this study is to reveal the mental perceptions of the teachers who work in two different school types by using metaphors and the significant differences if any. The research group consists of 37 single grade class teachers and 42 multigrade class teachers working in a medium-sized province. In the research, a form was used as a data collection tool which the phrase "School is like ……, because ……" is completed by the participants. The data were analyzed by content analysis method. According to the findings of the study, 50 metaphors were produced by 79 class teachers. When these metaphors were classified in terms of similar characteristics, 6 different conceptual categories emerged. These 6 conceptual categories were examined according to two school types, percentage and frequency values calculated. As a result of the study, it was observed that perceptions of teachers about school were generally positive. Also, the emergence of the unproductive-negative environment category by the multigrade class teachers is seen as the focus of the study.