Metaphorical analysis of the perceptions of the primary school students on the concepts of "school, teacher and principal”

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine and analyze the metaphors used by third and fourth grade students related to school, teachers and principals. Among qualitative research designs, phenomenological research design was used in the study. The study group consisted of 197 students (99 females and 98 males) studying at two state schools in Kadikoy District at Anatolian Side of Istanbul. Study group was determined using convenient sampling model. Content analysis technique as coding specific concepts and themes was used during qualitative data analysis. Students attributed 26 metaphors concerning the school, 27 metaphors concerning the teacher, and 27 metaphors concerning the school principal. Almost half of the students (48.7%) used “home” metaphor for the school, and almost half (49.7%) used “family” metaphor for the teacher. As for the principals, the most common metaphor was “leader” (23.9%). Findings of the study were discussed in the light of the related literature, and some suggestions for further studies were offered.