Content analysis of songs in elementary music textbooks in accordance with values education in Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine which values are included in education songs in elementary school textbooks and the level of these values. This study, conducted using document analysis method, involved primary education music class textbooks. Education songs in textbooks were analyzed within the frame of 29 values determined based on literature research. Two charts have been created in order to determine the values included in educational music. At the end of the research, it was determined that although music classes are very suitable for teaching values, education of values was not sufficiently included in the schedule. There were education songs including values such as love, respect, self-esteem, solidarity, cooperation, peace, collaboration, morality, cleanliness, kindness, diligence, friendship, responsibility, patriotism, tolerance, loyalty, sharing, sensibility and honorableness; however, there were no education songs including values of compassion, grace, honesty, generosity, sincerity, prudence, being patient, being fair, hospitality and humbleness. In addition, there were no Traditional Turkish Music Songs for children and there were very few folk songs in the textbooks. Key words: Music education, music lesson, textbook analysis, content analysis, values education.