A DAY IN TURKISH (ADIT) QI2008 CONFERENCE MEETING

  Theme: Trends and Issues of Educational Research in Turkey

Organized by Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University (COMU), Turkey

Sponsored by International Association of Qualitative Inquiry & International Association of Educators

Individual Presentations and Panel Session Presentations

Presentation 1: Opening Speech: An Invitation For The World Universities Congress

Presenter: Prof. Dr. Ali Akdemir, the President of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University
e-mail: aliakdemir@comu.edu.tr

Abstract: This opening speech of ADIT is an invitation for the World Universities Congress which will take place at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University in 2009. The presenter will also introduce the administrative effort of implementing policy strategies and reform projects into the university curriculum and policy documents to make the university an internationally recognized institution.

Presentation 2: Trends and Issues of Educational Research in Turkey

Presenter: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aypay, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University
e-mail: aypaya@yahoo.com

Abstract: There is increasing worldwide attention to educational research, driven by rising pressures for accountability in education, the escalating impact of technology, and an increasing speed of change in much of industry and society. This paper examines the key trends in Turkey in finding more effective means of strengthening the impact of educational research on practice. It analyses trends to accumulate, communicate and achieve stronger interaction and interface between research, policy, and practice. The author particularly focuses on ethical, political, epistemological and social issues of educational research in Turkish Education.

Presentation 3: Conducting Qualitative Research in Educational Technology: Ethical and Methodological Issues

Presenter: Presenter: Prof. Dr. Rauf Yildiz, Yildiz Technical University e-mail: rayildiz@yildiz.edu.tr

Abstract: The main purpose of this presentation is to explore the current methodological approaches such as case study, the use of ethnography, and phenomenological methods and techniques of research in the field of educational technology in Turkish education. Ethical and methodological issues of qualitative research in the field such as human subject in cyberspace, online data collection and analysis, and reporting results are also explored.

Presentation 4: Research With Human Subjects: Emerging Ethical Issues in Qualitative Inquiry in Turkish Education

Presenter: Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yunus Eryaman, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University
e-mail: eryaman@comu.edu.tr

Abstract: Recent developments in educational qualitative research in Turkey which include the rapid growth of new theories and technologies, increasing involvement of higher education institutions in regulation of human subjects research, and concerns about conflicts of interest among researchers, challenge researchers' abilities to interpret and apply the regulations. Other situations such as research with vulnerable populations may cause difficulties for identifying strategies and/or techniques that will enhance/ensure the ethical involvement of human subjects in qualitative educational research. Thus, research on ethical issues in human subjects research is necessary to develop interpretation and understanding of ethical principles and regulatory requirements. The purpose of this presentation is to explore the emerging ethical and political issues of qualitative research in the field of education in Turkey in order to optimize the genuine protection of human subjects and enhance the ethical conduct of research with human subjects.

Panel Session-1

Chair: Prof. Dr. Dinçay Köksal, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University,
email: dkoksal@yahoo.com

Paper-1 A Critical Evaluation of Methodological And Epistemological Issues in Qualitative Research in the Field of Instructional Technology and Computer Education in Turkish Education

Presenter: Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Koc, Suleyman Demirel University
e-mail: kocmustafa@yahoo.com

Abstract: The main purpose of this presentation is to explore the current methodological and epistemological issues in qualitative research in the field of instructional technology and computer education in Turkish education. Major research journals have been analyzed to explore the kind of qualitative research studies which has been conducted in the field and type of methodologies used in the studies. This analysis led the presenter to develop four major themes to analyze the methodological and epistemological issues in the field.

Paper-2 An Examination of Emerging Issues of Qualitative Research in the Field of Social Studies Education in Turkish Education

Presenter: Presenter: Dr. Nihat Kahveci, Istanbul University,
e-mail: nihatgurel@yahoo.com

Abstract: In this paper, the presenter explores the emerging issues of qualitative research in the field of social studies education in Turkish Education. Major research journals have been analyzed to understand the major issues and problems of qualitative research in the field of social studies education.

Paper-3 Understanding Qualitative Research in the Field of Literacy and Technology Education in Turkey

Presenter: Dr. Ihsan Seyit Ertem, University of Florida,
e-mail: ise@ufl.edu

Abstract: The main purpose of this presentation is to explore the use of qualitative research in the field of Literacy and Technology Education in Turkey. Major research journals have been analyzed to explore the type of methodologies and theories of literacy and technology education used in the research studies published in these journals.

Paper-4 Emerging Issues of Educational Research in the Field of Second Language Teaching in Turkish Education

Presenter: Prof. Dr. Dinçay Köksal, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University,
email: dkoksal@yahoo.com

Abstract: The main purpose of this presentation is to explore the emerging issues of educational research in the field of Second Language Teaching in Turkish Education.

Paper-5 Issues of Educational Research in the Field of Educational Policy Studies in Turkey

Presenter: Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durdu Karsl?, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University,
email: karsli@comu.edu.tr

Abstract: The main purpose of this presentation is to explore the emerging issues of educational research in the field of Educational Policy Studies in Turkey.

PANEL SESSION-2

Chair: Dr. Hakan Dedeo?lu, Hacettepe University, e-mail: hakandedeoglu@hotmail.com

Paper-1 A Critical Analysis of Methodological Issues of Qualitative Research in the Field of Literacy Education in Turkey

Presenter: Presenter: Dr. Mustafa Ulusoy, Gazi University,
e-mail: mrtcan@hotmail.com

Abstract: This study aims to explore the methodological issues of qualitative research in the field of literacy education in Turkey. The research studies published in the major academic journals in the field have been analyzed to systematically document the methodological and theoretical issues and trends in the educational research in Turkish Education.

Paper-2 An Evaluation of Theoretical Issues of Qualitative Research in the Field of Social Science Education in Turkey

Presenter: Presenter: Caglar Yildiz, University of Illinois,
e-mail: cyildiz3@gmail.com

Abstract: The main purpose of this presentation is to explore the emerging theoretical issues in qualitative research in the field of social science education in Turkey. Major research journals have been analyzed to explore the kind of theories used in the research studies. This analysis helped me document six major issues of qualitative educational research in the field.

Paper- 3: Significance of Qualitative Research in Educational Inquiries in Turkey

Presenter: Assist. Prof. Dr. Yasemin Alptekin, Yeditepe University
e-mail: yalptekin@yeditepe.edu.tr

Abstract: The subject matter of education is not knowledge but human beings. Thus the purpose of qualitative educational research is to interpret various human phenomena through the words of selected individuals in a context-specific setting. There are several considerations when deciding to adopt a qualitative research methodology. Strauss and Corbin (1990) claim that qualitative methods can be used to better understand any phenomenon about which little is yet known. Qualitative research is not an alternative to quantitative research but may as well be a preference for an educational inquiry which requires meaningful and detailed data for interpretation and thus transferability. This paper explores the significance of qualitative research in educational inquiries in Turkish Education.

Paper-4 : Problems and Future of Research in Education Administration in Turkey

Presenter: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erdal Toprakç?, Cumhuriyet University
e-mail: etoprakci@cumhuriyet.edu.tr

Abstract: There are serious problems in the field of education administration, as a sub-branch of Science of Education which is considered within the category of Human (social) Science. Even though these problems are commonly encountered in the field of Human Science in general, they may vary and turn into cases primarily unique to the field of Education and then in the Education Administration in particular. It can be stated that there are many different factors causing these problems and making them continue. These factors can be titled as researcher, environment, bureaucratic structure, possibility, human-being, academic culture etc. in the every phase of the research process. Every one of these factors affects the researches being carried out in the field of Educational Administration in Turkey from the beginning to the end. The purpose of this presentation is to find out how these factors affect the researches on educational administration in Turkey, and to determine the future of educational administration.

PANEL SESSION–3

Chair: Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yunus Eryaman, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University

Paper-1 Evaluating Primary School Teachers’ Perception of Barriers to Creative Thinking: A Canakkale Case (Cancelled)

Presenter: Iffet Aksoy Tokgoz, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University
email: iffetaksoyt@yahoo.com

Abstract: The new elementary school curriculum in Turkey promotes the idea of developing creative thinking skills through an engagement with the performative and progressive educational practices. Purpose of this study is to identify and investigate the barriers and blocks to the development of children creative thinking that the Primary school teachers who play a key role in the process, encounter in classrooms in Canakkale, Turkey. Descriptive analysis is employed for data analysis. Two major themes developed based on the data analysis: individual factors and environmental factors.

Paper-2 An Evaluation of the Life Sciences Course Curriculum in Primary Education in Turkey in regard to Outcome Dimension: A Case Study

Presenter: Assist. Prof. Dr. Cavus Sahin, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University
email: csahin25240@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the Life Sciences course curriculum in Primary Education in Turkey in regard to outcome dimension. It is a descriptive qualitative study, which uses semi-structured interviews and observations to gather the data. 20 teachers from four different primary schools in Canakkale, Turkey participated in the study. Five primary teachers as key participants were interviewed in each school on a voluntary basis. Descriptive analysis is employed for data analysis. Thus, four major themes developed based on the data analysis.

Paper-3 Reading and Responding Children’s Books with Preservice Teachers

Presenter: Dr. Hakan Dedeo?lu, Hacettepe University,
email: hakandedeoglu@hotmail.com

Abstract: This study investigates how pre-service teachers in an undergraduate children’s literature class read and responded to children’s literature both individually and as literature circle group within a framework of critical literacy and reader response theories. To provide pre-service teachers the theoretical knowledge and practical experience for designing an elementary school curriculum, the instructors asked them sign up for novels under Multicultural Literature, at the beginning of Children’s Literature course. Using varied genres of fictional and nonfiction books in addition to their assigned novels on a similar topic provide them to explore many ways of looking on a given topic. In class they met with others who have read the same book and share their responses to the books and their findings with regard to their accuracy, the issues presented in the books. Data sources included: student writings, whole class and small group discussions, artifacts from class activities, fieldnotes, and a researcher reflective journal.

Paper-4 Looking at Issues and Problems in Teaching Practice through a Critical Lens: A Turkish Case(Cancelled)

Presenter: Assist. Prof. Dr. Aysun Yavuz, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University,
email: yavuzaysun@hotmail.com

Abstract: This paper focuses on a case study of six (6) student teachers’ ideas and problems about ‘Teaching Practice’ Course in one ELT university department in Turkey. In the 4th. (the last year) of ELT Department at the Faculty of Education, students take 5 credit ‘Teaching Practice’ course as a compulsory requirement of their program. They spend 6 hours in practice schools (observing the school teacher, peers and teaching) and they are also required to do 2 hour theoretical course at the faculty with their faculty tutors in the spring semester (14 weeks). In the theoretical course, they discuss school and teaching experiences, teaching plans and problems with their faculty tutors in small groups of six. In this study, student teachers were interviewed as a group at the end of the semester to get feedback about the course. Qualitative case study research methodology has been employed. Unstructured group interview was conducted and data were analyzed qualitatively. Thematic categories of ‘Improving Teaching Skills’, ‘Problems about School or School Teachers’ and ‘Need for More Practical Courses at the Faculty’ emerged from the data.

Paper-5 Social Studies Teachers’ perceptions about their teaching profession

Presenter: Dr. Nihat Gurel Kahveci, Istanbul University,
email: yavuzaysun@hotmail.com

Abstract: This study examines social studies teachers’ perceptions and their ideas about changes /stabilities on teaching profession. Data were collected from three social studies teachers who teach social studies for (at least) ten years in Turkey. Case study methodology is applied to explore their insights about their teaching professions. Merriam (1998) defines the case study as “an examination of a specific phenomenon such as a program, an event, a person, a process, an institution, or a social group.” Three social studies teachers were interviewed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed according the emergent themes. Study showed that their ideas about teaching profession changed over the time. Participant teachers believe that they lost their enthusiasm to their professions in comparison with first five years of their teaching professions, and repeated themselves without developing themselves according to new approaches both content and applications of the social studies education. Participant teachers believed that they need some developments to professionalize their profession such as obtaining greater recognition from society, getting better salaries, developing to their content area and educational knowledge in collaboration with academia and in-service training programs. They stated that all of these developments can help to reconsider their approach to teaching profession.

A DAY IN TURKISH (ADIT) QI2008 PRE-CONFERENCE MEETING

ADIT-Organization Committee

A- Head of the ADIT Organization Committee

Prof. Dr. Ali AKDEM?R: President, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University

B- ADIT Chair

Prof. Dr. Dinçay KÖKSAL: Dean, College of Education Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University

Paper-2 An Evaluation of the Life Sciences Course Curriculum in Primary Education in Turkey in regard to Outcome Dimension: A Case Study

C- Organization Committee

Prof. Dr. Dinçay KÖKSAL : Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University
Prof. Dr. Rauf Y?ld?z: Y?ld?z Technical University, Turkey
Assist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yunus ERYAMAN: Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet AYPAY: Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University
Assist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Koc: Suleyman Demirel University (Cancelled)
Dr. Hakan Dedeoglu: Hacettepe University, Turkey
Dr. Nihat Kahveci: Istanbul University, Turkey
Dr. Mustafa Ulusoy: Gazi University, Turkey
Dr. ?hsan Seyit Ertem: University of Florida

E- ADIT COORDINATOR

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yunus ERYAMAN Director of the European Union (EU) Education Programs & International Relations College of Education A Blok No: Z004,
Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University
Canakkale, 17100 Turkey
Phone : +90 286 217 1303
Fax : +90 286 212 0751
E-mail: eryaman@comu.edu.tr