Preschool teachers' opinions on the use of non-violent communication: A phenomenological study

In this study, the opinions of preschool teachers about the use of nonviolent communication in educational processes were investigated. In the early childhood period when the child's communication language is shaped, it is necessary for preschool teachers to use a language free from violence. From this point of view, the thoughts and professional experiences of preschool teachers about nonviolent communication are very important.In this study, the opinions and practices of preschool teachers about nonviolent communication were tried to be revealed.In the research, phenomenology pattern was used in qualitative research methods.In this study, in which focus group interviews were conducted through a semi-structured interview form, the teachers to be interviewed were determined by the criterion sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling types. The study group of the research consists of 18 pre-school teachers working in official pre-school education institutions in Gaziantep city, district center and villages in the 2020-2021 academic year. The data obtained from the interviews were examined by content analysis method and themes, sub-themes and codes were reached and the findings were interpreted. As a result of the research, teachers stated that they generally consider themselves adequate when communicating with adults and children. However, it has been observed that nonviolent communication perceptions are not at a sufficient level and that they partially use nonviolent communication skills. It has been concluded that teachers' attitudes and behaviors on communication differ according to the socioeconomic status of the region they work.