Pre-schoolers, pre-school teachers, and interpersonal problem-solving skills: a comparative study in Turkey and Belgium

Abstract

Interpersonal cognitive problem solving, one of the most crucial social skills, is a life-long competency that must be supported from the early years of life. In this study, the opinions of 55 Turkish pre-school teachers and 53 Flemish pre-school teachers who work with 3–6-year-old children in private and public pre-schools in metropolitan cities of both countries were obtained using the Teacher's Interpersonal Problem Solving Questionnaire. When the results were considered, it was noticed that Turkish pre-school teachers tend to solve problems as soon as they emerge. They usually prefer to suggest a solution to the problem or give advice. On the contrary, pre-school teachers in Belgium express that they analysed problems together with the children and guided children to produce various solutions. It was revealed that few Turkish and Flemish teachers have specific training in improving interpersonal problem-solving skills in children.