AN INVESTIGATION OF PICTURE STORYBOOKS USED IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH TEACHER EVALUATIONS

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine the picture storybooks used in public preschool educational institutions in accordance with teacher evaluations. A descriptive survey model was employed using a quantitative approach. The research group consisted of 126 preschool teachers working in public preschools and kindergartens in the city centre of Elazig. The researchers utilized the Illustrated Children's Book Evaluation Scale (RECKO) as a data collection tool, which was developed as part of a master's thesis. The RECKO scale was developed in five-point Likert type and consists of 54 items and 6 variables regarding the demographic information of the teachers. Expert feedback was sought at every stage during the development of this data collection tool. The scale underwent validity and reliability procedures before its implementation in the research. A Cronbach Alpha coefficient of  .82 was computed during these procedures. Data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-Tests, and one-way analysis of variance. Results showed significant differences in certain items based on teachers' professional seniority, daily work hours, age group, and type of degree. In this regard, recommendations have been formulated to enhance both the quantitative and qualitative features of picture storybooks employed in preschool educational institutions and thereby elevate their role in promoting early childhood education.