Educational Expectations of Refugee Mothers for Their Children

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine refugee mothers' educational expectations for their children. It is a qualitative research designed with phenomenological approach, which is one of the qualitative research methods. Twenty volunteer mothers coming from Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan were participated in the study. An interview form, including open-ended questions, was used as a data collection tool. The data was collected by face to face meetings with each participant. Content analysis was applied to the data gathered. Findings indicate that the refugee mothers' expectations from the schools are guidance and counseling services for refugee students, more social activities at schools, more intensive Maths and language courses, effective communication and interaction between students, parents and schools. Most of the refugee mothers would like to settle down in a more developed country and they don't want their children continue their education in Turkey.