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

Summary/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.

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