Research Information System
Alberta Journal of Educational Research, vol.69, no.4, pp.439-458, 2023 (Scopus)
This study had two aims: first, to reveal the experiences of educators who work with refugee
students in Samsun (Turkey); and second, to divulge the views these teachers have on the social
inclusion of refugees. The research was designed using a case study approach; 18 individuals
participated in the research, who were selected from 12 schools within the criterion sample. A
semi-structured interview form was utilized to collect data, which were analyzed using a content
analysis approach. Some participants indicated that some refugee students were indifferent
toward their lessons, would act in violent ways at school, experienced academic inadequacies,
and possessed language and communication issues. Other teacher-participants pointed out that
refugee students suffered from discrimination at school. In a general sense, the participants had
a positive attitude towards refugee social inclusion, and they believed that refugees should be
given employment opportunities; but refugees should also learn about Turkish culture and
values. The study concluded that an equal distribution of refugees across schools and residential
areas is necessary and that organizing events where refugees and Turkish citizens can join
together provides the whole society with opportunities to learn about multiculturalism, which in
turn can accelerate social inclusion.