The Effect of Hidden Curriculum on Character Education Process of Primary School Students

Character education is defined as a planned and systematical approach in terms of self- respect, responsibility and honesty etc. for being a good citizen. The elements of hidden curriculum possessed in schools are values, beliefs, attitudes, and norms and values which are important parts of school function, ceremonies and the quality of interpersonal communication. This research is aimed to determine supportive activities and views of students' participated in these activities with the thought of revealing importance of hidden curriculum on gaining vales within character education in elementary schools. Supportive activities of hidden curriculum such as social and cultural activities, free time activities and sportive activities, celebration of special days and weeks: social club works can be considered as strong value gaining tools for elementary school students to comprehend, internalize and perform values. In this study, one of the qualitative research methods case study model is utilized. This research is carried out within 2009-2010 academic year through three elementary schools in Eskisehir affiliated to Ministry of National Education by investigating supportive activities for hidden curriculum and views of students participating in these activities. For analyzing the gathered data, document analysis and content analysis are used. Working group of this study comprises 40 students going to 6th, 7th and 8th grades within three elementary schools in the city center of Eskisehir. At the end of the study, it is determined that values are included in curriculum of elementary schools, and supportive activities for hidden curriculum in the process of gaining and internalizing values have great importance.