Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research (EPASR - E-Journal)
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Pre-service Teachers%252339%253B Views about Digital Teaching Materials
No full textThis study aims to reveal pre-service teachers views about digital teaching materials which they have in their Technologies in Teaching and Materials Design course. In this qualitative study, phenomenological design was used. The participants of the study consist of 55 pre-service teachers studying and taking the above-mentioned course at Gazi Faculty of Education.Data were collected through Written Form for Pre-service Teachers Views about Digital Teaching Materials developed by the researcher. Content analysis method was used to analyze the qualitative data collected. Findings of the study showed that pre-service teachers found the preparation of digital teaching materials useful, interesting and gripping, suitable for the age of technology, effective for their field of study. They also stated that the use of this kind of digital teaching materials needed to be more common. The study also revealed that pre-service teachers found Web 2.0 tools which they learnt to use such as presentation (Emaze and Powtoon), discussion (Padlet and Voice Threat) and interactive evaluation (Kahoot and Plickers) technically different, unusual, attractive, user-friendly, enhancing creativity and visually rich. The most frequently emphasized strengths of using these tools in the classroom were being interesting, attention grabbing, enhancing motivation and permanence, enabling active participation and effective discussion atmosphere, providing instant feedback. The limitations of using these digital teaching materials in the classroom were stated as such%253A the need for internet, many characters and features not being free of charge, it may lead to distraction if not used effectively, students might make insulting comments on each other, some students might feel unhappy when their faults are revealed, competition may lead to ambition. Challenges of using these tools in the classroom were stated as such%253A the need for fast internet connection, some tools have parts that are not free of charge and it hinders complete use of the tool, some tools are difficult to use. Considering the views regarding how digital teaching materials would support teaching process, it was found out that pre-service teachers thought such materials would draw and raise attention, make the lesson enjoyable%253B diverse, original and effective content would be created%253B more practice would be possible, learning would become permanent and easier%253B students active participation would be enabled%253B students motivation would be increased%253B effective communication would be possible%253B technology would be involved in the process%253B students success would increase
Augmented reality, virtual reality and digital games%253A A research on teacher candidates
No full textVirtual reality, although it is in the real world, is a three-dimensional simulation model that brings users to a different environment with computer-generated graphics, video and audio, and enables communication with the media. Virtual reality is the imitation of the physical structure from a real-world or an imaginary world in a computer-generated environment. Augmented reality is the combination of the real world with the virtual world, the creation of enriched environments using virtual objects, the combination of physical reality and digital holograms, or the creation of a virtual world suitable for the purpose by using digital products. The aim of this study is to determine the opinions of teacher candidates studying in the faculty of education in terms of augmented reality, virtual reality and digital games depending on some demographic variables. The working group of the study consisted of teacher candidates studying in different departments of the Faculty of Education of Mustafa Kemal University in 2018-2019 Academic Year. Mixed model and General survey model were used in the study. In order to determine the opinions of teacher candidates, Using Digital Educational Plays Scale was used as a data collection tool. As a result of the research, there was no statistically significant difference between the opinions of the teacher candidates about the use of digital educational games in terms of the affective component, perceived usefulness, perceived control and the scale generally in terms of the scale, however, however, it has been concluded that there is a difference in favor of women in sub-dimension of affective components. In addition, in the research, teacher candidates were not afraid to use computer, but they were afraid of playing computer games
The Development of Environmental Motivation Scale at Secondary Schools and Analysis of Different Variables of Students%252339%253B Motivation Towards Environment
No full textThis study aims at developing Secondary School Environment Motivation Scale (SSEMS) in order to analyse the motivations of the students for the environment in terms of gender, grade, socio-economic level. The data were collected from 677 secondary school students to develop the scale and 1775 secondary school students for the survey study. SSEMS was developed as16 items, on three-point likert scale and two dimensions (intrinsic and extrinsic motivation). The results of the research show that the general environmental motivation and intrinsic motivation of female students is significantly higher than the male students. There was no significant difference in the environmental motivation levels of female and male students in terms of extrinsic motivation dimension. When the relationships between the students%252339%253B grade and their environmental motivations are examined, it is revealed that as their grades increase, all motivation levels (general, intrinsic and extrinsic) of students towards environment decrease. Moreover, there is not substantial correlation between the students%252339%253B socio-economic levels and general environmental motivations. However, as the socio-economic levels of the students increased, their intrinsic motivation increased significantly, and their extrinsic motivations decreased significantly. The gradual change of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as to gender, class and socio-economic level is discussed at length in the article
Why Do Physical Education Teachers Give High Grades%253F
Get PDFIn this study, it is aimed to reveal the reasons of high grades in physical education and sports classes of physical education teachers and to determine the factors that cause this situation. Phenomological study was used in qualitative research methods. The study group of the study was qualitative participants of 10 physical education teachers working in the central districts of Malatya in the 2017-2018 academic year and whose average grade is 100 in the E-school system. In the research, semi-structured interview form prepared by the researchers was used as data collection tool. Descriptive and content analysis was used for the analysis of raw data. After qualitative interviews with physical education teachers, it was concluded that in the themes that emerge after the qualitative interviews, teachers dominated the idea that they should not be graded in physical education class. When it is added that the measurement and evaluation literacy is not sufficient in addition to the reasons such as giving high marks in private schools, it leads them to give high marks
Predicting Vocational Satisfaction of Pre-Service ELT Teachers by Vocational Values
Get PDFIdentification and recognition of the values that an individual possesses can help predict his future behaviors. In this context, it is important to examine the concept of values since it leads individual%252339%253Bs preferences. It is also possible to see ones value orientation in profession choice. Individuals are expected to work in professions where their values can be met. It can be assumed that values are also related to vocational satisfaction. Individuals caring about their independency would be more satisfied if their occupation allows them to work independently. According to the Theory of Work Adjustment, which examines the place of vocational values in occupational choice and occupational satisfaction, the harmony between the individuals values and the characteristics of the environment they work with ensures high vocational satisfaction. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the departmental satisfaction, vocational values and predicted reinforcer pattern for each type of value of pre-service English language teachers studying in Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Education, and Department of English Language in the context of Work Adjustment theory. In this descriptive study, Turkish version of the Minnesota Importance Questionnaire (TMIQ) and Predicted Reinforcer Pattern (PRP) scale were used as data collection tools. Results of the study are presented using descriptive statistics, mean comparison tables and graphics. Although females were more satisfied than males, pre-service ELT teachers were found to being satisfied for choosing ELT major in general. Results suggest that the majority of ELT students believe that becoming a teacher will probably satisfy their needs associated to associated to achievement, altruism and safety. However, majority of ELT students believe that becoming a teacher will probably not satisfy their need for%253B autonomy, status and comfort
Reconsidering the Assessment Policy%253A Practical Use of Liberal Multiple-choice Tests (SAC Method)
Get PDFExaminees performances are assessed using a wide variety of different techniques. Multiple-choice (MC) tests are among the most frequently used ones. Nearly, all standardized achievement tests make use of MC test items and there is a variety of ways to score these tests. The study compares number right and liberal scoring (SAC) methods. Mixed methods sequential explanatory research design was used which consists of both quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data. A test with ten questions was conducted to 73 prospective English teachers who were selected purposively and they were asked why they had chosen more than one option in the second part of the test. Priority was on the quantitative data obtained from the test results. Qualitative data were collected using participants explanations for their answers. The analysis of the qualitative findings was used to explain the findings of the quantitative results. The results reveal that liberal scoring method rewards partial knowledge and penalizes blind guessing. It is superior to the conventional scoring methods as it eliminates their disadvantages. Though it eliminates the disadvantages of other scoring methods, liberal scoring method is difficult to be used practically in the classroom. Without a technological help, teachers may find liberal scoring method really difficult. The study also provides teachers with a Microsoft Excel document for practical use of liberal MC tests. With the help of this document, teachers can easily conduct liberal MC tests in their exams. Suggestions to the test designers and policymakers at both national and international levels about the use of liberal scoring method were provided at the end of the study
The Strategies for Designing Activity Related to Listening%252FFollowing Skills and Assessment Rubric
Get PDFThis study deals with the experience of prospective teachers of Turkish in creating activities by using strategies suitable for verbal communication skills and designing an assessment tool to evaluate such activities. The aim of this study is to provide the participants with the necessary knowledge about activity designing strategies as well as to improve their proficiency as teachers to develop and use a suitable assessment tool so that the activities could be evaluated. The study has been carried out in accordance with the mixed research design in which the quantitative and qualitative data collecting processes are used together. The result of the review shows that the completed activity designing strategy and the rubric that evaluates the activities support the participants proficiency in designing the teaching process suitable for listening%252Ffollowing activities and help them during the teaching process. Based on those findings, it has been concluded that the information acquired during a systematical and planned listening%252Ffollowing process has a positive effect on prospective teachers skills to design a teaching process
Readability characteristics of texts in middle school Turkish textbooks
Get PDFTurkish textbooks are important tools for gaining skills and competencies identified in curriculum. Textbooks should be designed to contribute to students basic language skills as well as high level thinking skills in alignment with curriculum. The texts to be selected for textbooks should be prepared in alignment with the targeted skills and learning outcomes in terms of visuals and content. Textbooks kids encounter during elementary education play an important role in their upbringing as individuals with reading habits in later phases of their education. Therefore, texts to be included in textbooks should be selected carefully to reflect the best examples of text types, to be compatible with the childs language and meaning universe, and should be understandable. In this study, the readibility levels of texts in Turkish course textbooks were analyzed. Readibility levels reveal the comprehensibleness of texts. Readability depends on the number of words in a sentence and syllables in a word. First the average word and sentence length were calculated and then the readibility scores of texts were calculated. Two formulas adapted to Turkish were used in identifying the readibility levels of texts. The findings were analyzed comparatively. The results showed that the readability levels of narrative texts are easier compared to informing texts
Detecting the opinions of the secondary school administrators regarding the use of mobile technologies for educational purposes
Get PDFThe goal of this research is to detect the opinions of secondary school administrators regarding the use of mobile technologies for educational purposes. 15 secondary school administrators form the participants of this research. The data of the research are collected in the fall semester of the 2017-2018 educational year. The work is designed through the qualitative research model. The personal information form and the semi-structured interview form are prepared by the researcher while collecting the data. The data obtained have been resolved by using the content analysis method. According to the obtained findings from this research%253B secondary school administrators have expressed that they use mobile learning in their teaching practices in need of momentary information, momentary communication, and in the transfer of the audiovisual data used in the courses to the smart board. The administrators have expressed that while choosing the mobile technologies they take into account the content of the course and the features of the action which is going to take place during the course. It has been stated that with the use of mobile tools for educational purposes, there has been seen positive changes in the teaching activities and that the courses has started continuing more effectively and efficiently, and that they benefit from the audiovisual materials more during the course, and that by moving away from the traditional teaching method the student starts learning more active and enjoys
Strategic Management and Leadership of Education%253A Central and Local Perspectives in Turkey
No full textThis study seeks to assess how Turkeys Ministry of National Education has implemented strategic management and planning by examining the views of upper-level administrators employed in Ministrys central and provincial administrative bodies concerning the strategic management which is a legal obligation for all educational institutions across the country. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 upper- and middle-level administrators. The findings on participants responses to the research questions were subject to descriptive analyses. The findings of the study are interesting as reveal that the top down reforms and legal obligations do not guarantee adequate and effective implementation in practice. Upper- and middle-level administrators emphasize that a strategic management and planning culture has not been established in Ministry of National Education and the strategic management and planning process has become a weak formality, which increases the workload rather than being an effective management tool. The study revealed that instead of strategic management and planning being to a technical process, measures need to be taken to facilitate its transformation into a cultural process. Strategic management and planning needs to consider together as a whole every stage of each process. The centralist approach should be abandoned and local mechanisms areas of influence need to be increased. It is an important research area that more comprehensive evaluation of the centralist strategic management approach based on strategy transfer from the center to the local level