Abstract

The objective of this research is to identify and suggest solutions to the problems experienced by students learning Turkish as a second language according to the opinions of both teachers and students evaluated. The research has been conducted among the classroom teachers, Turkish language teachers and the students attending the schools in districts and villages of Batman city. Descriptive model has been used during the research. Data considering the research has been collected through qualitative research.Semi-structured interviews have been carried out with the teachers and an effective usage of Turkish survey has been applied on the students to reveal the difficulties encountered and the solution suggestions considering these difficulties in teaching Turkish as a second language. Data collected from the interviews has been examined through descriptive and content analysis. Teachers’ opinions about the difficulties encountered have been investigated with respect to the expected learning outcomes, content, learning process, assessment and evaluation of 1^st to 8^th grades Turkish curriculum, while students’ opinions have been investigated with respect to their levels of Turkish, learning objectives of Turkish, Turkish learning and effective usage, problems encountered in learning Turkish and their solution suggestions for the problems. Identified problems and their suggested solutions concerning the teaching of Turkish as a second language have been stated in the conclusion part.

Key words: Bilingualism, learning of Turkish, mother tongue.