A Comparison of English Language Teacher Education Curricula in Kazakhstan and Turkey


Baimbetova Z., Çakır C.

The 11th International ELT Research Conference, 3 - 05 September 2020, pp.107

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • Page Numbers: pp.107
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The current paper reports the findings of a comparative study about the curricula designed for the English language teacher education programs (ELTEPs) in two countries, namely Kazakhstan and Turkey. The comparative analysis of the curricula focuses on the specific courses taken by the prospective teachers of English in each country. The courses are grouped under the categories of linguistic competence/L2 proficiency, pedagogic competence, and managerial competence to analyze the similarities, and differences between the two curricula. The findings show that the curriculum of the ELTEP in Turkey offers a substantial number of pedagogic courses whereas it offers considerably fewer courses related to improving student teachers’ linguistic competence. Although Kazakhstani ELTEP curriculum incorporates and balances the linguistic and pedagogic competences to a certain degree, less importance is attached to foreign language teaching methodology courses. Furthermore, the study reveals the non-course-related similarities and differences between the ELTEPs in Turkey and Kazakhstan in the following variables: the length of education, the total number of credits needed for graduation, the practicum length, the school types where graduates can work after graduation, and the steps they have to take to start teaching officially. As a result of the study, it is recommended that the number of methodological courses addressing the pre-service teachers’ pedagogical competence should be increased in the Kazakhstani ELTEP.

Key Words: Turkey, Kazakhstan, English language teacher education curriculum, Pre-service teacher