The effect of an 8-week traditional Turkish games program on the acquisition of national values in 4th grade primary school students: A qualitative and quantitative study"

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of an eight-week Traditional Turkish Games Program, designed for 4th grade primary school students, on their acquisition of national values, using both quantitative and qualitative data. The research evaluates the function of culturally-rooted games in the values education process and examines how traditional games contribute to cultural transmission, social interaction, and holistic development in children. The study was conducted using a mixed-methods research design. The quantitative data were gathered through a pre-test/post-test model, while qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews and observation forms. The quantitative sample consisted of 33 fourth-grade students attending a public primary school during the 2024–2025 academic year. The qualitative sample included 8 students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and 1 teacher from the same school. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired sample t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, depending on the distribution of the data. Valid and reliable measurement tools were used to assess students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding national values before and after the program. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and participants' experiences were interpreted through identified themes and supported with direct quotations. Findings show that the program led to statistically significant improvements in students' object control skills (p<0.05) and their acquisition of national values. However, no significant change was observed in locomotor skills, indicating the need for longer-term implementation for motor development. No significant difference was found between genders, demonstrating that the program had an equal effect on both boys and girls. Qualitative results revealed that students internalized values such as cooperation, patience, respect, honesty, empathy, and love for the homeland through the games. The students reported feeling emotionally fulfilled and culturally connected, while the teacher observed notable improvements in students' social, emotional, and cognitive development. In conclusion, the study recommends that Traditional Turkish Games be systematically integrated into school curricula, with increased duration, active teacher and parent involvement, and broader application across different regions. The findings highlight that culturally-based games serve as an effective educational tool in fostering national values and supporting the holistic development of primary school students.