Use of Case Study Method in Primary School: A Teacher Training Process

Abstract

This study aims to determine how the case study method is used in primary school Life Sciences courses in the classroom setting and the change occurred in the quality of in-class use of this method following the case study-based training provided for teachers. This is a qualitative study using the action research design. The study group was composed of 7 second- and third-grade classroom teachers selected from private and state schools under the body of Turkey Ministry of National Education and their 21 students (opinions of 3 students each selected from 7 classes). The data collection instruments used in the study are the observation form and the semi-structured interviews performed with the students. The data obtained were analyzed with the content analysis technique. The necessary steps were followed to achieve validity and reliability of the data analysis with the data collection instruments. In accordance with the findings achieved, it was seen that there was a positive change in the quality of how the teachers used the case study method in Life Sciences courses after the case study-based training. It was also concluded that the students liked the courses instructed after the training and thought that they became more active.