Going beyond Structural Integration: Exploring the Role of Mainstreaming and Adaptation Classes in the Educational Integration of Syrian Schoolchildren in Turkey
1 Department of Educational Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
2 Graduate School of Educational Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
Abstract
Turkey has developed educational policies and measures to help Syrian students to access education in public schools through different integration practices. This research aimed at examining two integration practices, i.e. mainstreaming and adaptation classes, and exploring the advantages and limitations of each practice for the integration of Syrian students from practitioners' perspectives. The participants consisted of fifteen teachers who had experience in both practices and were working at primary, middle, and secondary schools in a large city in Southeastern Turkey. This research employed a comparative case study design to analyze and synthesize similarities, differences, and meaningful patterns across the integration practices. It was revealed that each practice has limitations and advantages in terms of integration. How integration is handled is the main distinction between the practices. Mainstream classes facilitate relational integration through inclusion; however, integration is fostered through language tuition in adaptation classes. Both practices warrant some arrangements for effectiveness.
Keywords
- Integration practices
- Syrian students
- teachers
- qualitative research
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