Review of scientific studies on foreign national students attending primary and middle schools

Abstract

This study examines scientific studies on foreign national students attending primary and middle schools regarding their topics, methodologies, and data analysis techniques. It is envisaged that scrutinising scientific studies conducted on foreign national students at the primary and middle school levels may shed light on new research directions and enhance the quality of educational services provided to foreign national students in our country by evaluating the current situation. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, with data collected through document analysis. The gathered data were then analysed using descriptive analysis methods. The study population comprises foreign national students receiving education in Turkey, while the sample consists of scientific studies conducted on foreign national students attending primary and middle schools in Turkey. A search was born on the National Thesis Center for studies related to foreign national students, resulting in access to the first six master's theses. The contents of these theses were examined, and research was expanded based on the keywords of the studies. Keywords related to primary and middle school were added, resulting in access to 49 master's theses and one doctoral thesis. Seven master's theses written in English were excluded from the study. The research findings indicated that most of the studies were conducted in 2019. The qualitative research approach was predominantly favoured in the studies, with the case study method being the most commonly used research model. Purposive sampling was most frequently employed, focusing on classroom teachers or foreign national students in the sample groups. Advanced statistical data analysis techniques were preferred. The examined studies were mainly aimed at identifying problems and providing solutions. Recommendations were made to researchers based on the findings of the reviewed studies.