A Meta Synthesis Study on Shadow Education in Türkiye

The aim of this study was to distil the qualitative research on shadow education in T & uuml;rkiye and to present an original synthesis that would help to solve the problems. Qualitative studies from different databases with specific inclusion criteria (n=8) were selected and analyzed using the meta-synthesis method. The findings of the studies were the primary themes, their systematic comparison and analysis were the secondary themes, and the synthesis was made through the examination and discussion of the relationships between the themes and categories. According to the findings, the reasons for shadow education were identified as preparation for high-stakes tests, overcrowded classrooms, the need to compensate for students' learning deficits, teachers' lack of qualifications and parents' demands. While the positive results of shadow education are that students develop regular study habits and improve their academic performance, the negative results are that students do not have the opportunity to socialize, do not have time for the arts and sports, educational inequality increases, the school is devalued and the curriculum dysfunctionalized, education becomes rote and test-driven, pressure to perform and stress increases among students, and parents face serious financial burdens. As a final synthesis; it is recommended to produce more models for transition between grade-levels, to reduce the quality differences between public schools and class sizes, to organize free central mock exams, to increase the quality of supportive courses conducted in public schools, to support the professional development of teachers, and to take measures to increase students' self-regulation skills. Recommendations for institutions/individuals involved in shadow education include legalizing and taxing private tuition, increasing supervision of private tuition/study centers and raising awareness of professional ethics among educators.