Analysis of “Turkish as a Foreign Language Course Programs” Implemented in Public Education Centers in Türkiye

Year 2026, Issue: Advanced Online Publication, 213 - 230

Esma Bostan Elif İlhan

https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.12.13.1

Abstract

The study aims to analyze the “Turkish as a foreign language course programs” implemented in public education centers to teach Turkish to foreign adults. Applying a qualitative case study design, data were obtained from semi-structured interviews. The study group consisted of 11 instructors and 33 trainees in public education centers operating in Ankara. In data collection process, two separate semi-structured interview forms were used, and the content analysis method was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the programs largely meet the needs of trainees, but issues as inadequacy of the duration, deficiencies in material support, the weight of traditional methods in measurement and evaluation processes, limited application of communicative approach principles and insufficient consideration of individual differences limited their effectiveness. Moreover, the instructors stated that the programs should be more flexible, functional, and andragogy-based. Additionally, the trainees emphasized their satisfactions with instructors’ competencies, the need to focus more on skill-based development in course content and exam practices. The study highlights the necessity of revising Turkish as a foreign language course programs in alignment with andragogic principles. In line with the results, suggestions for regarding curriculum development and instructor training are presented along with the ones with the further research.

Keywords

Adult education , Andragogy , Curriculum , Immigrant , Refugee , Teaching Turkish to foreigners , Turkish course programs

Ethical Statement

This study was discussed at the meeting numbered 04 of the Ethics Commission of Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Rectorate held on 24.04.2024 and it was unanimously decided that there was no ethical objection. Research approval was notified with the letter dated 11.03.2024 and numbered 254971 (Research Code No: 2024-109).

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