Teachers’ Opinions on the English Language Curriculum of the 5th Grade of Primary Education

The purpose of this research is to determine teachers’ opinions on the English language curriculum of the 5th grade of primary education. The research was conducted in Çankaya, Sincan, Keçiören, Çubuk, Polatlı, Kazan and Mamak, the counties of Ankara, during the academic years of 2008-2009 and the sample consisted of 288 teachers working in these counties. The semi-structured interview form was implemented to 9 teachers chosen from the upper, middle and low class counties of Ankara, which are Çankaya, Sincan, Çubuk, Mamak and Ayaş, using convenience sampling. Since the purpose of the study is to reveal the present situation, descriptive (survey) method was used. The results of the research showed that; the statements of aims were found understandable by teachers and also suitable for the development and learning characteristics of the age group of students. The syllabus was found consistent with the aims of the curriculum and the units were written generally from simple to complex, concrete to abstract and easy to difficult. The teaching and learning activities made it possible for students to attend the class actively and learn effectively, and they could make the students gain the skill of studying independently. The materials were suitable for the development and learning characteristics of the age group of students. The curriculum recommends measurement and assessment techniques and methods that are consistent with the aims. The teachers mostly used the self assessment and peer assessment among other alternative assessment types.