A study upon the adequacy of the teachers working in elementary schools in the field of music education

The music education given by the teachers working in elementary schools is critically important for laying the foundations of the music experience of individuals. It is aimed in this study to specify the knowledge and experience, about music courses, of the teachers working in elementary schools, as well as their activities inside the class and outside the class, and determine the shortcomings in this field and find curative solutions. To this end, opinions and evaluations of the form masters working in 6 elementary schools, in Ankara, in the types of A, B and C, as determined by local education authority, have been examined.This study is a descriptive field survey. The data used in the study have been collected by searching through the literature at length in this field and, via a survey built up by the researcher. In the survey, there are 20 multiple choice questions and 1 open-ended question prepared by form masters, containing information about professional knowledge and the activities inside and outside the class. The subjects of the study are 120 form masters, working in 6 schools chosen by set method from the research universe, in the 2006- 2007 academic year. However, due to the fact that there are 80 surveys including reliable data, assessments done for the first 20 questions of the survey and statistical data have been prepared according to this number.The level of significance obtained in the study, for the analysis, has been evaluated at (P)0.05 error level. All analyses have been done, at the level of sections making up the scale, one by one, and frequency distributions and percentages, related to each question, have been given in form of tables. Furthermore, easier interpreting has been provided by giving the bar charts for each table, and multiple bar charts have been achieved to provide interpretation of the question groups. It is possible to see frequency numbers and percentages of the answers given for each choice, from the tables places just above the graphics. The analysis taking part in the study has been achieved by using the program SPPS 15.0.According to the findings achieved in the study, it is determined that the knowledge and acquisition of the knowledge related to the music education course of the form masters include theoretical information predominantly, and due to this fact, it is determined that they have difficulties in implementation. Additionally, it is determined that the elementary schools do not have enough materials and physical conditions to enable the form masters to perform their music activities inside and outside the class, and it is clarified that the contents of the music education course given within the form mastership program of teachers' college have to get extended.The research is considered to be significant since the points of developing the music curriculum in form mastership and making the physical conditions of elementary schools more favourable for music education have been stressed in order to help form masters to work more efficiently. It is suggested that more emphasis should be put on music education and the students should be encouraged to take part in activities both inside and outside the class.