TEACHERS’ OPINIONS ON THE ENGLISH CURRICULUM OF THE 2nd GRADE PRIMARY EDUCATION

Program evaluation is an important component of the curriculum development, and it should be done regularly and systematically in order to find out the deficiencies and faults of the implemented educational program. As it is the teachers who implement the program, their opinions are essential for evaluating a new program. In this study, the purpose is to identify English teachers’ views on the English language curriculum of the 2nd grade of primary education. With this in mind, it is aimed to answer these questions: Is the program appropriate to the level of the pupils? What are the effects of the program on the pupils? Do teachers see themselves proficient at teaching primary level students? And, what are the problems that are experienced by English language teachers in implementing the curriculum? This is a qualitative study conducted with seven primary school English teachers who teach English in six different public schools in Tarsus, Mersin. The research data were collected in 2013-2014 academic year using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed by using descriptive analysis techniques. The research findings indicate that English teachers find the program appropriate to the level of pupils and the program helps pupils develop positive attitude to language learning. Besides. they find themselves proficient at teaching young learners. However, the findings also show that English teachers experience some challenges in implementing the curriculum due to inappropriate textbook, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient time allocated for the program and lack of in-service training.