Perceptions of teacher candidates regarding democracy

Abstract

In this study it is aimed to investigate the perceptions of the teacher candidates regarding democracy. Within this research phenomenology pattern, which is one of the qualitative research patterns, was used. The study group of the research consists of 222 teacher candidates who attend Elementary Education, Mathematics Education, Science Education, Social Studies Education and Preschool Education, determined with criterion sampling method among junior and senior teacher candidates. The quantitative data was analysed with content analysis method. The metaphors regarding democracy were categorized "democracy as vital needs", "democracy as material", "democracy as nutritional source", "democracy as the symbol of freedom", "democracy as abstract thinking", "democracy as balance", and "democracy as negativity" considering the connection that the teacher candidates related with democracy. Teacher candidates, who participated in the research, from different departments explained democracy with metaphors regarding equality, respect, life source and freedom concepts. It is seen that the teacher candidates did not focus on especially cooperation and responsibility concepts. Also as a result of the research it is determined that more than half of the teacher candidates did not participate in a democratic activity in lessons at school all of their student-life.