Suggested Solutions and Views of Teacher Candidates Regarding the Problems of the Turkish Education System

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the suggested solutions and opinions of teacher candidates receiving pedagogical formation training on the problems of the Turkish education system. Phenomenology, a qualitative research method, was used. The participants were 30 students receiving pedagogical formation training at Karabuk University in the 2016-2017 academic year. The data were gathered in writing by means of the questions prepared by the researchers. Data analysis was executed by content analysis and descriptive analysis. According to the findings, the problems of the Turkish education system were classified under four themes: (i) Working conditions, (ii) Curriculum studies, (iii) Basic structure of the education system, (iv) Training of educators. The problems stated were the Basic structure of the education system, training of educators, working conditions and curriculum studies, respectively in order of importance. In addition, the most frequently emphasized problems were the change of the examination system, continuing instruction based on rote learning, the problems experienced in teacher – student communication, inadequacy of professional development in teachers. This study is of significance since it provides insights about the understandings and perceptions of teacher candidates regarding the Turkish education system.

Keywords: Turkish Education System, Pedagogical formation, Teacher candidates, Education problems, Suggested solutions.