Research Information System
Thesis Type: Doctorate
Institution Of The Thesis: Gazi University, Eğitim Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Yabancı Diller Eğitimi, Turkey
Approval Date: 2019
Thesis Language: Turkish
Student: ZEYNEP ARKAN
Supervisor: Musa Yıldız
Abstract:
The purpose of this research; to develop the foreign language skills of Arabic teachers in Turkey benefiting from San Diego State University Foundation‘s successful program STARTALK, by using the model to develop a professional development program proposal. In this research conducted as a qualitative research model, a three-stage process was followed. In the first stage, the observation technique was used and observations were made on the ―STARTALK Teacher Training Program‖ which was implemented by the United States San Diego State University Foundation. The observations were conducted for four weeks at the foreign language education center, the library, the classes where the educations were given, and the academicians studying and working environments to have knowledge of the culture. At this time any measurement, interview tool or forum etc. has not been used, it has been attempted to describe only the environments and cultures in detail, without the aim of collecting evidence and not using any data. In the second stage, the document analysis technique was used. At this stage, documents have been provided and studies and observations were made for analysis of the STARTALK program. STARTALK Teacher Training Program regarding training content, standards, assessment tools, training methods, national and international academic studies related to foreign language teachers development, foreign language education standards and related upper policy documents have been documentary analyzed. These analyses were made in light of the informal information obtained from the observations. In the third stage, semi-structured focus group interview technique was used. At this stage, in order to determine the professional development needs of Arabic teachers a ― focus group interview‖ was conducted with a group of 12 selected Arabic teachers working in the province of Ankara. The research problem consists of 7 sub-dimensions applied in STARTALK Teacher Training Program. Observation, document review and interview were carried out on these dimensions. These dimensions which are stated as basic teaching skills of Arabic teachers are; Creating a safe learning environment; cooperation; learning experience; learning tools; feedback; planning and professionalism. According to the findings of interviews with Arabic teachers, it was revealed that teachers in all these dimensions needed individual and professional development programs. Arabic teacher professional development program activity examples obtained from the analysis of STARTALK Teacher Training Program are presented in the context of an in-service training program proposal for strengthening the Arabic teachers in these dimensions.
Key Words: Arabic, Arabic teachers, Foreign Language, Professional Development, STARTALK Teacher Training Program