A STUDY OF PERCEPTIONS OF THE 8TH GRADE STUDENTS REGARDING THE BRAIN DRAIN CONCEPTION

Abstract

This study aims to examine the perceptions of the secondary school eight graders on the brain drain concept. In line with this aim, the students were asked to develop metaphors on the concept of brain drain. Content analysis was used in the analysis and interpretation of the data obtained from the participants. Research was figured and ran according to qualitative research method.The study attempted to provide a detailed description of the meanings assigned by the eighth graders on the migration concept that is included in the social studies curriculum of the 6th and 7th grades and on the brain drain concept, a sub concept of migration. Data collection tool was the data collection form through metaphors. Another data collection tool is the visual documents consisting of the pictures/caricatures drawn by the students in relation to the concept where the metaphor is created. As a result of the study, it was seen upon examining the metaphors on the concept of brain drain that the majority of the participants produced the metaphors of birds, animals and heart. When the participants create a metaphor, they have a strong perception on the desire to leave the country of origin and move to another settlement because of their will to have a better life. It was found that the majority of the participants perceived the concept of brain drain as establishing a good life and improving oneself. In addition, upon examining the metaphors created by the participants, they have a strong perception on the idea that it is a great loss for the country to lose the people who are competent in their field.