Approaches of Syrian and Turkish students on English language teaching

The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the attitudes of 9th grade Turkish and Syrian students, who are living in Turkey, towards English. In this study, a mixed research method was used, and in the qualitative research "Attitude Scale towards English" was used as the data collecting tool and participatory form was used for quantitative research. The study was conducted in the schools at Sehitkamil and Sahinbey district in Gaziantep for 9th grade students. In this study, data were obtained from 587 students. In the analysis of attitude scale, t-test and ANOVA was used. At the end of the study, for Syrian students case, there was a significant difference was found at the level of gender, family average income, English learning year, perceptions of achievement, education level of father and education level of mother. At the same time, for Turkish students there was a significant difference was found at the level of gender, family average incomes, perceptions of achievement and education of father. According to the quantitative results of analysis, the problem was lack of teachers, lack of speech, lack of lecture hours, and neglect. The reason for learning was in terms of language learning, liking and communication, also for future use socialization, professional requirement and travel. According to the research results it was suggested that teacher qualification, use of visual materials and interest, and technological communication, visualization and resource provision in the communication theme are necessary. Keywords: Learning English, Attitude, Turkish Students, Syrian Students, High School