Abstract
PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS’ OPINIONS ON DEMOCRATIC CLASS ATMOSPHERE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
With the education of democracy, it is aimed to establish a common democracy consciousness in the society by making democratic behaviors permanent. Democracy, a theory of freedom and tolerance needs citizens who are sensitive to differences, thinking critical, entrepreneur, aware of his / her rights, freedoms and responsibilities, playing an active role in democracy. Educational institutions play a great role in bringing such citizens into society. In society, the responsibility for educating individuals who have adopted democracy and adopting a democratic way of life belongs to educational institutions. It is the class where the individuals in the school will acquire the consciousness and the culture of democracy to a great extent. In classes where a democratic atmosphere exists, it is possible for students to become democrat individuals. In the classes where democracy is established, students will develop in psychological, social and academic terms. The main purpose of this study is to determine the opinions of prospective teachers on democratic class atmosphere in higher education. Phenomenology pattern of qualitative research methods was used in the research. The study group consisted of 39 prospective teachers. The study group was determined by the criterion sampling method of the purposeful sample. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews. The data obtained from the research were analyzed by content analysis. At the end of the study, ”indicators of a democratic class atmosphere” “the duties and responsibilities of teaching staff and students for a democratic class atmosphere”, obstacles to a democratic class atmosphere” and “the benefits of a democratic class atmosphere“ were determined.
Keywords
Democracy, class atmosphere, democratic class atmosphere, prospective teachers.
