An Action Research on Strengthening the Communication Skills of Foreign Children in the Context of Culturally Sensitive Education

Abstract

This study aims to strengthen the communication skills of foreign children within the scope of multicultural education, improve their language skills with the support of their peers, and support the adaptation process to school. In an independent kindergarten affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Gaziantep, the study involved 22 Turkish, two foreign-born children, and the parents of those children. One of the qualitative research techniques used in the study was action research. The research's data collection methods included the sociometry scale, observation notes, home visits, family interviews, checklists, and document reviews. The process was cycled through until the achievements and indicators determined in the checklist were attained after the two-week observation period. Then the researchers developed an action plan. Achieving target achievements and indicators was completed by implementing a five-week action plan. At the end of the process, while the importance of a positive classroom climate, teacher support, and home visits were revealed, it was concluded that peer support significantly affected communication and language skills. In addition, the reflections of working in cooperation with the family were seen.