Graduate School of Education

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https://hdl.handle.net/11693/115677

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Open Access
The relationship among foreign language speaking anxiety, English-speaking skills self-efficacy beliefs, and English-speaking performance of Turkish ELT
(Bilkent University, 2024-07) Batu, Veliye
In today’s world, foreign language speaking skills hold a significant place in every aspect of life including foreign language education. Speaking skills are closely related to affective and cognitive factors in foreign language learning. In this respect, this current study investigated the relationship between foreign language speaking anxiety, speaking self-efficacy beliefs, and English-speaking performance of Turkish ELT students. The study was conducted with 71 first-year Turkish ELT students at a public university. For this mixed-methods research study, a questionnaire was given to all participants, and a semi-structured interview was held with seven voluntary participants to gain deeper insights into how anxiety and self-efficacy impact English-speaking performance. Correlational analyses were employed for survey data, and the results found significant relationships among foreign language speaking anxiety, speaking self-efficacy beliefs, and English-speaking performance. For the qualitative aspect, a thematic analysis was implemented for the interviews to examine the perspective of the students in more detail. The first-year ELT students reported that foreign language anxiety had an adverse effect on their Englishspeaking performance while high self-efficacy beliefs had a facilitative impact on performance. Based on the findings of the present study, implications for practice were drawn, and suggestions for further research were highlighted.
Open Access
The development of an ICT-integrated guideline for high school 3D geometry lessons based on the perceptions of pre-service teachers and their instructors
(Bilkent University, 2024-07) Uymaz, Alisa Sümeyye
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) involves a collection of technologies used for information processing, communication, and distribution. In education, the use of ICT technologies has several benefits. Especially, in mathematics, ICT tools improve problem-solving abilities, increase student engagement, and help to visualize abstract concepts. The primary aim of this study was to explore how pre-service mathematics teachers’ perceptions in regard to effectiveness and challenges of using ICT tools in 3D Geometry lessons vary across different universities. The secondary purpose of the study was to investigate how sufficient are the Instructional Technology and Material Development courses at different universities in preparing pre-service mathematics teachers to integrate ICT tools effectively in 3D Geometry lessons. Lastly, the study aimed to identify how instructors at different universities perceive and integrate ICT tools, and what are the perceived benefits, challenges, and effective strategies for developing pre-service teachers’ competency in using these tools.
Open Access
EFL teachers’ transformation of identity during COVID-19
(Bilkent University, 2024-07) Kut, Begüm
This narrative inquiry aims to investigate how the professional identities of English language teachers were reconstructed during the Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) period of COVID-19 pandemic at university English Preparatory Program settings in the context of the Turkish education system. It explores the professional histories of eight teachers in the English as a foreign language context. Their teaching profiles, perceptions of students and colleagues, and situatedness of their identities in the ERT period when they had to improve their adaptive expertise by switching their mode of teaching to online spaces are examined. Teachers were interviewed to gather data about the shift of their identities in COVID-19 period and the data was analyzed according to codes and themes. The emergent themes include the following: challenges of ERT, teacher growth and adaptability, and confidence in teacher competences.
Open Access
Enhancing Grade 1 conceptual science learning through curriculum integration
(Bilkent University, 2024-06) Gromen, Dylan Bernard
Ever wondered how to blend three different educational frameworks into one? This study investigates the steps necessary to integrate the Turkish Ministry of National Education, Cambridge Primary Science, and International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme standards within Concept-Based Instructional Unit Design. Led by a sagacious teacher-researcher who explicated and validated five Conceptually-Based units with expert interviews, the study revealed an agreement among experts on the practicality and alignment of the units. Recommendations include familiarizing integrators with all curricula, utilizing Concept-Based Instructional Unit Design models, and prioritizing conceptual understanding. The successful integration of eclectic educational structures shows the potential of Concept-Based Instructional Unit Design as a unifying pedagogical approach. The findings of this study carry inherent implications for further educational practice. Moving forward, supernumerary research is warranted to inquest the nuances associated across various educational settings.
Open Access
Critical thinking dispositions of first-year students in an English medium higher education context
(2024-01) Loomis, Robert Mc Namara
This thesis investigates the critical thinking dispositions of undergraduate students at an English medium foundation university in Türkiye. It examines the critical thinking dispositions of students enrolled in a first year English composition course and whether their critical thinking dispositions differ according to gender, age, high school attended, attendance of an English preparatory program, and CGPA and course grade previously received in the first semester English composition course, as well as whether there is a relationship between critical thinking dispositions and CGPA. This study adopts a quantitative case research methodology, employing a combination of survey, causal-comparative and correlational design. To this end, the University of Florida/Engagement, Cognitive Maturity, Innovativeness instrument was yes to collect data. The major findings of the study include that the students report to have high moderate levels of critical thinking. They were not found to differ significantly according to the demographic factors with the exception of Cognitive Maturity, which differed significantly according to grade received in a first year English composition course. In addition, there was no significant correlation between critical thinking dispositions and CGPA.
Open Access
The effect of form-focused morphological instruction on derivational morphological awareness and vocabulary knowledge of 11th-grade EFL Turkish high school students
(Bilkent University, 2024-01) Çağan, Can
The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of form-focused morphological instruction including free base words and derivational suffixes on derivational morphological awareness (MA), and vocabulary knowledge of 11-grade EFL learners studying at a private high-school in the province of Hatay in Türkiye. This study had a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group research design. A total of 61 EFL students participated in the study (experimental group: 30; control group: 31). The participants were selected with the use of convenience sampling. Before the intervention, all participants took EF Standard English Test (EF SET), an English proficiency test administered online. During a 6-week timeframe, the students in the experimental group received form-focused morphological instruction twice a week and attended 2 review sessions. On the other hand, the students in the control group continued with their usual school timetable, and received no form-focused morphological training. The Test of Morphological Structure (derivational MA test) (Carlisle, 2000), and updated Vocabulary Levels Test (vocabulary knowledge test) (Webb et al., 2017) were administered to all participants as pre- and post-tests. The data analyses were conducted using independent and paired samples t-tests. The results indicated that while both experimental and control groups made statistically significant gains in derivational MA, the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group. However, neither group showed any improvement in vocabulary knowledge after the intervention.
Open Access
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme teachers’ practices and perceived self-efficacy regarding the development of Theory of Knowledge students’ critical thinking
(Bilkent University, 2024-01) Gönen, İrem
This present study investigated the Theory of Knowledge teachers’ perceptions regarding the definition of critical thinking, implementation of critical thinking, and their perceived self-efficacy. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 77 Turkish and international teachers. Following the interviews, selected respondents agreed to be interviewed to provide further insights into the analysis. Correlational design was used to examine the relation between participants’ perceived self-efficacy and a number of variables, including experience, subject area, and professional development. The results found significant relationships between the participants’ perceptions of their self-efficacy and their education level and International Baccalaureate professional development. Furthermore, the study provides insights into teaching methods and resources teachers often use to support students’ critical thinking during their Theory of Knowledge courses. In general, Theory of Knowledge teachers perceive critical thinking is integral to their course. Teachers’ self-efficacy regarding developing students’ critical thinking may be improved through targeted professional development courses.
Open Access
English teachers’ perceptions of differentiated instruction in the Turkish context
(Bilkent University, 2024-01) Özgüler, Sevgi
In the contemporary landscape of education, the significance of Differentiated Instruction (DI) has become increasingly pronounced as educators encounter with the diverse and unique needs of students. As classrooms become more heterogeneous, DI has emerged as a pedagogical approach essential for fostering inclusive and effective learning environments. This study addresses an important research gap by conducting a qualitative exploration of Differentiated Instruction (DI) practices among K-12 English teachers in Türkiye. Acknowledging the scarcity of literature on this specific demographic, the study aims to uncover the perceptions of DI through in-depth interviews with 10 English teachers across diverse educational institutions. The qualitative approach employed in this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how English teachers perceive DI. Through a thematic analysis of the interview data, the researcher sought to not only capture the nuances of English teachers' perceptions and practices but also shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities within the Turkish educational context. The findings indicate that these English teachers are aware of DI and its benefits, and that they occasionally attempt to implement it in their classes but require support from other stakeholders to fully understand and implement it to achieve better results in the classroom. The study also offers insights into the cultural, institutional, and contextual factors influencing teachers' decisions, laying a foundation for future studies, and informing the development of targeted professional development programs tailored to the needs of K-12 English teachers in Türkiye.
Open Access
Formative assessment practices and perceptions of English language preparatory school instructors at tertiary level
(Bilkent University, 2024-01) Ercazip, Damla Sena
This mixed-method explanatory case study investigated the formative assessment practices and perceptions of in-service English language preparatory school instructors in relation to student monitoring and student scaffolding at the tertiary level. The study also explored how these practices vary depending on instructors’ years of experience, degree, and additional assessment training. To this end, 30 in-service instructors completed a questionnaire to obtain the quantitative data in this study. The follow-up semi-structured interviews provided the qualitative data with eight voluntary instructors. The results of the study showed that formative assessment practices are being implemented by English language instructors mainly to monitor student progress, help students internalize the learning process, and encourage student involvement with the help of feedback while creating an interactive classroom culture by using various approaches and methods in teaching. It was also found that instructors’ years of experience, degree, and assessment practices did not create any significant difference in monitoring students; however, in terms of scaffolding, instructors without additional assessment training chose to implement scaffolding practices more than instructors who have training.
Open Access
Language learning strategies of first-year students in an English medium higher education context
(Bilkent University, 2024-01) Oruç, İremnur
The purpose of this study is to investigate the language learning strategies of first-year students at a foundation university in Türkiye where the medium of instruction is English. More specifically, the study aimed to explain what direct and indirect strategies, and accompanying strategy sets, were used by the students. It also examined any potential differences in the strategy used based on gender. This study used a single-case design, shifting attention to a particular and less-explored context, incorporating cross-sectional survey, and causal-comparative designs. The researcher collected the data through a survey within the framework of Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL, Version 7.0) tool and 82 first-year students voluntarily participated in the study. The findings indicated that the direct strategies were preferred more than the indirect strategies. More specifically, within Direct strategies, Compensatory strategies are highly favored; in contrast, Metacognitive strategies are moderately favored across Indirect strategies. As for the least used strategies, Memory strategies as one of the groups in the Direct strategies, and Affective strategies within the Indirect strategies are favored the least. Additionally, female first-year students preferred to use direct strategies more than male first-year students although the observed difference is not statistically significant. More specifically, when Direct strategies are considered, Compensatory strategies are highly favored by both female and male first-year students, but female students use them more frequently. Similarly, among Indirect strategies, male participants highly favor Social strategies, while female participants moderately favor Metacognitive strategies the most. Finally, in relation to two strategies under the Cognitive strategies, statistically significant results favoring female students were observed.
Open Access
Situation-specific motivational dispositions of EFL students and instructors in online teaching at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic
(Bilkent University, 2024-01) Baş, Betül
The aim of this case study was to explore the situation-specific motivational dispositions of EFL students and instructors and to examine if the dispositions differ according to their gender, faculty type and level of English for the EFL students, and age, years of teaching experience, department graduated from and level of study for the EFL instructors in online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic in a state university preparatory program in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. For this quantitative case study, the data were collected from 343 students and 45 instructors through student and instructor questionnaires. The items related to the students’ and instructors’ motivational dispositions in online teaching were adapted from Guilloteaux and Dörnyei (2008) for the online questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The results revealed that the students’ motivational dispositions seemed to have differed regarding gender, faculty type and level of English, while the instructors’ motivational dispositions seemed to have changed according to age and years of teaching experience. Overall, the students’ and instructors’ motivation levels were not very high in online teaching caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Open Access
International mindedness in a national context: analysis of an English coursebook published by Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Education for Grade 9
(Bilkent University, 2024-01) Gezer, Bilge Nur
In an era of increasing interconnectedness of the global community, fostering international mindedness has become significant for individuals. Grounded in the principles of multilingualism, intercultural understanding, and global engagement; this study aims to find out the representations of international mindedness by analyzing the Grade 9 English coursebook published by Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Education. Through a qualitative content analysis, this research emphasizes the role of coursebooks, which are widely used at high schools in Türkiye to maintain consistency in educational content. The findings highlighted a possible relation between international mindedness and Learner Centered ideology, contributing to the holistic development of individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and culturally sensitive to global issues. By analyzing the Grade 9 English coursebook, the research also revealed how international mindedness is integrated into the English curriculum, offering insights for educators and policymakers to raise internationally-minded individuals.
Open Access
The effect of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme on the International Baccalaureate learner profile attributes of Turkish high school students
(Bilkent University, 2023-12) Cinli, Ülfet Burcu
The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme follows a model that connects child development to cognition and metacognition (Bullock, 2011). The IB Learner Profile (IBLP) attributes are the way IB ensures that both aspects of education are a part of IB education. This study investigates to what extent the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) impacts student acquisition of IBLP attributes and its interaction with the personality traits of conscientiousness and openness. Participants (N = 180) were chosen from the same school and were grouped as either IB DP or non-IB students. Inherent personality traits conscientiousness and openness to experience from the Big Five Inventory (BFI) were used as covariates. Furthermore, the IB DP is analysed to investigate if IB DP can substitute low personality traits. Findings support the following: (1) the IB DP students score higher for knowledgeable, inquirer, and open-minded IBLP attributes, (2) When inherent personality traits are controlled, the IB DP students score higher for the inquirer and open-minded IBLP attributes.
Open Access
A comparative content analysis of two children’s mathematics books: The cat in numberland and jayden’s rescue
(Bilkent University, 2023-09) Akyol, Firdevs Meltem
Children’s mathematics books are receiving increasing attention by teachers and parents around the world. However, the choice of these books is highly depending on the popularity of the book or the publisher’s suggestion lists. This study aims to shed light to how to measure the quality of children’s mathematics books and observe the addressed mathematical skills and outcomes of it. By descriptive analysis of the content analysis and the content domain specific typology, this study shows two different methods to evaluate different aspects of any children’s mathematics book. In this study two children’s books were analyzed: Jayden’s Rescue and The Cat in Numberland. The results of this study show that the two books have different mathematical skills and objectives, and different approaches to mathematical modelling. The authors' different motivations shaped these outcomes, skills, and levels for these books. The Cat in Numberland introduces sophisticated topics like countable infinities to its inquiring readers whereas Jayden’s Rescue helps its readers to gain problem-solving skills for their mathematics lessons.
Open Access
Predicting middle school students’ mathematics achievement using decision trees
(Bilkent University, 2023-09) Yeter, Buse
In today's world, it is crucial to raise individuals who can think critically and flexibly, see things from a variety of perspectives, and develop creative solutions to common challenges in many countries including Türkiye. One of the ways to attain this purpose is to provide qualified mathematics education. During this qualified education determining the extent to which students meet the program goals is an important and fundamental part of the process of educating the individuals. Education should be provided in accordance with the requirements of the age using a curriculum with qualified measurement, assessment, and evaluation practices. This study aims to predict middle school students’ achievement at four grade levels in mathematics at the end of the semester utilized as a predictor measurement and assessment approach. Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID), a decision tree analysis, was used to examine the importance of exams, quizzes, homework, and teacher observation in predicting the end-of-semester achievements. As a result of the study, when the first semester is examined in general, quizzes are mostly determined as the best predictor of student success, while exams are generally for the second semester. Implications for teachers and students are stated.
Open Access
Effective mentoring for biology teaching: insights of mentors and supervisors
(Bilkent University, 2023-08) Vural, Neşe
This study investigated the purposes, perspectives and practices of mentors in mentoring preservice teachers as well as the insights of supervisors regarding effective mentoring for biology teaching by attempting to determine their respective stances on the matter through a mixed method design. The purposes of mentors to work with preservice teachers and the mentoring practices that they found effective were explored through Mentoring Conceptions and Motivations Scale adopted by a research project (TÜBİTAK, 220K086) and follow-up semi-structured interviews with a subset of mentors. Furthermore, Area Specialized Effective Mentoring Opinion Form was used to reveal supervisors’ opinions about effective mentoring for biology teaching. The result of the study showed that biology mentors hold developmental conceptions dominant to instrumental conceptions. In addition, it was found that payment and sense of belonging also play a role in motivating mentors to guide preservice teachers for biology teaching besides personal learning and generative outcome motives. Effective biology mentoring practices characterized under five themes by mentors: “Tripartite Cooperation (TRIAD)”, “Area-specialized Teaching”, “Teaching profession introduction practices”, “Pedagogical Knowledge” and “Content Knowledge”. Moreover, the analysis of supervisors’ responses on effective mentoring in biology teaching yielded “Triad Cooperation in Teaching Practicum (TRIAD)”, “Mentoring Practices in Teaching Practicum”, and “The Characteristics of the Mentor” themes. This study provides valuable insights into the understanding of effective biology mentoring by shedding light on mentors’ purposes, perspectives and practices as well as supervisors’ opinions. Therefore, this research can contribute to the improvement of mentoring experiences for biology teaching and professional development of preservice teachers.
Open Access
The relationship among self-assessed oral competencies, teaching styles and teaching approaches of non-native EFL teachers at a state university in Türkiye
(Bilkent University, 2023-08) Özcan, Fatma
This case study investigated self-assessed oral competencies including oral comprehension, oral production, and oral interaction, teaching styles, and approaches in terms of student and teacher-centeredness of non-native EFL teachers at a state university in Türkiye. It also explored the possible relationships between their self-assessed oral competencies and teaching styles and teaching approaches. Data from the questionnaire responded by 90 teachers and interviews with 11 participating teachers were analyzed. The results revealed that these teachers assessed oral competencies are high, they prefer Personal Model, Facilitator and Expert teaching styles and that their approach to teaching is the Conceptual Change Student-Focused (CCSF). It was also found that teachers’ self-assessed oral competency is affected by factors like the area of their BA degrees and whether they speak other languages. Age and years of teaching experience have been identified as the factors which have an impact on their preferred teaching styles and approaches. Finally, oral interaction has been found to have a weak relationship with almost all the teaching styles and the teacher-centered approach, and a moderate relationship with CCSF. Moreover, Personal Model and CCSF showed weak to moderate relationships with all the oral competency areas.
Open Access
An investigation of the 21st century competencies of prospective EFL teachers in Türkiye
(Bilkent University, 2023-08) Mirici, Ilgın
This study investigated the competencies on 21st century skills of prospective EFL teachers in Türkiye and ELT department academics’ opinions about their students’ 21st century skills competencies. In this respect, it explored the opinions of the 3rd and 4th grade prospective EFL teachers studying at a state and a foundation university in Ankara, Turkey. To this end, 102 prospective EFL teachers and 14 ELT department academics filled in a questionnaire to take part in the study. Quantitative data was obtained from the questionnaires, and qualitative data was obtained via semi-structured interviews with a sample of 15 prospective EFL teachers and 11 ELT department academics. The results of the study have revealed that both state and foundation university prospective EFL teachers feel competent in using 21st century skills in their classes, with a focus on a range of skills including communication, collaboration, and the use of technology. Likewise, ELT department academics perceive their students' competencies in using the 21st century skills such as communication and technology use, with some slight differences in specific areas.
Open Access
EFL instructors’ perceptions and practices of differentiated instruction at tertiary level
(Bilkent University, 2023-07) Horkel, Berrin Karasaç
The purpose of this study was to investigate EFL instructors’ perceptions and practices of differentiated instruction in an English language preparatory program of a state university in Türkiye. For this mixed-methods case study, the quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire, and the qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. 87 instructors participated in the quantitative part of the study, and 13 instructors participated in the qualitative phase. Descriptive and inferential analysis was employed to analyze the quantitative data, and the qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis. The results indicated that instructors’ awareness of differentiated instruction is generally high, and that they are generally aware of individual differences and needs and their impact on the course achievement. On the other hand, the results of the study also showed that instructors’ practices of differentiated instruction are generally not comprehensive and are not proactively based on individual student needs. However, instructors moderately practice differentiation in some parts of their instruction. The results of the study also revealed some challenges instructors face in the differentiation practice including strict syllabus, number of students, insufficient resources and exams.
Open Access
Tertiary level Turkish EFL teachers’ perceptions and experiences about self-initiated professional development
(Bilkent University, 2023-07) Hamamcıoğlu, Tuğçe
This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of tertiary level Turkish ELF teachers regarding self-initiated professional development, and to find out if their perceptions differed according to their demographics. For this mixed-methods study, the quantitative data was collected from 67 Turkish EFL teachers through surveys, and one-on-one interviews were conducted with 14 of them. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, and for the analysis of the qualitative data, content analysis was used. The results showed that teachers valued collaboration greatly and thought professional development should be context-specific, address their needs, provide practical information and help them be up-to-date. They also asserted teachers should have more autonomy about their own professional development and receive financial, attitudinal, and time-related support from their institutions. The results also indicated that teachers having an undergraduate or graduate degree in teaching English as a foreign language put greater emphasis on the duration of professional development compared to the teachers who graduated from a non-TEFL program, did not have a master’s degree or had a master’s degree in a non-TEFL program. Moreover, sharing experiences and problems with colleagues was the most experienced professional development activity by the participants, whereas attending article discussion club sessions was the least experienced one. Moreover, teachers found attending certificate/diploma programs to gain teaching qualifications the most beneficial, but preparing portfolios was found to be the least useful professional development activity for them.