Views and Insights of Elementary Teacher Candidates on Sound-based Sentence Method (Case of Pamukkale University)

Abstract

This study aims to identify and evaluate elementary teacher candidates’ views and insights on sound-based sentence method in teaching basal reading and writing, and their competency related to this method. Participants were 3rd and 4th year 197 students studying elementary education at Pamukkale University. An open-ended survey which was developed by the researchers was used to investigate the teacher candidates’ views on sound-based sentence method. While developing the survey, the teacher candidates’ opinions were taken into account which was followed by expert opinions. The reliability of the survey was calculated by the help of a percentage of agreement formula. For data analysis, open coding method was employed. The qualitative data gathered through the survey were typed and exposed to content analysis. The data were read by the researchers elaborately and the codes were revealed. Related codes were then grouped under certain themes based on which interpretations were made. To support these interpretations, quotations and the characteristics of quoted participants were provided. The results revealed that the teacher candidates reported to have sufficient theoretical knowledge on sound-based sentence system, but also mentioned that they could encounter various problems in implementation. They also argued that these problems could be overcome by the help of practicum and professional experience while they presumed that other problems would also arise in teaching sounds and finding sample vocabulary during basal reading and writing instruction.