Reflections of Universal and Local Values in Textbooks According to Documents and Teachers’ Views

Authors

  • Çise Sucuoğlu Classroom Teaching Department, Atatürk Teacher Training Academy, North Cyprus
  • Kemal Akkan Batman Assoc. Prof. Dr., Classroom Teaching Department, Atatürk Teacher Training Academy, North Cyprus
  • Gözde Yıltaş Latifoğlu Assist. Prof. Dr., Classroom Teaching Department, Atatürk Teacher Training Academy, North Cyprus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/17.4/1060

Keywords:

teacher education, universal core values, values education, life science lesson, life science textbook

Abstract

This is a qualitative research study aimed at examining the presence of values in the texts and images of 3rd grade Life Science textbooks, as well as exploring teachers' views on this subject. The research is based on the 12 universal values outlined in UNESCO's "Living Values Education" Program. It investigates whether these values are reflected in the 3rd grade Life Science textbooks and the findings are supported by teachers' opinions. The study was conducted during the 2023-2024 academic year in state primary schools affiliated with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Document analysis on the 3rd grade Life Science textbooks and interviews with 14 classroom teachers were conducted as research methods. Qualitative data analysis involved document analysis and content analysis techniques. It was found that the content of the 3rd grade Life Science textbooks includes 337 statements related to values among which 131 statements were found in the texts and 206 in the images. According to the results, the values that appeared most frequently in the Life Science textbooks were "respect" and "responsibility," while the least represented values were "tolerance," "humility," and "honesty." The majority of teachers expressed the view during the interviews that universal and cultural values are moderately represented in the 3rd grade Life Science textbooks. Additionally, teachers noted deficiencies in the representation of values in the books and provided suggestions for addressing these shortcomings.

Author Biography

Çise Sucuoğlu, Classroom Teaching Department, Atatürk Teacher Training Academy, North Cyprus

Çise Sucuoğlu is a primary school teacher who continuously strives to improve herself in the field of education and supports her professional experience with academic development. She began her educational journey in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and successfully completed her undergraduate studies at the Department of Primary School Teaching at Atatürk Teacher Academy. Following her graduation, she started her teaching career at 23 Nisan Primary School, where she gained valuable experience and further strengthened her professional skills. As of the 2025–2026 academic year, she has been appointed to Ağırdağ – Dağyolu Primary School, where she will continue her teaching duties. Beyond her role as a classroom teacher, Sucuoğlu has pursued academic endeavors to enhance her professional development. In this context, she will begin her graduate studies in 2025 at Near East University in the Department of Educational Administration and Supervision. Through this graduate program, she aims to gain a more holistic perspective on educational processes and contribute more effectively to the education system. In 2024, she successfully completed the “Trainer Training Program for Teaching Turkish to Foreigners,” further specializing in this field. After obtaining her certificate, she began working as an instructor in the “Teaching Turkish to Foreign Students” program organized by Atatürk Teacher Academy. Within this program, she provides instruction in Turkish language teaching to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Dedicated to integrating theory and practice in education, Çise Sucuoğlu adheres to the principle of lifelong learning, valuing both personal and professional growth. In the coming years, she aims to contribute to the field of education through academic publications as well.

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Published

2025-12-18

How to Cite

Sucuoğlu, Çise, Batman, K. A., & Latifoğlu, G. Y. (2025). Reflections of Universal and Local Values in Textbooks According to Documents and Teachers’ Views. Revista Romaneasca Pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 17(4), 343-374. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/17.4/1060

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 4 (2025): Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala

Section

Continuous Education and Upskilling for Career Advancement

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