Research Article

The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education

Number: 3 June 21, 2026
EN TR

The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the sources of motivation of teachers who did not complete their graduate education before starting their department and how motivation decreased over time. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen teachers who dropped out of graduate education during the 2023-2024 academic year at four different universities in Turkey. The criterion sampling method was used to determine the study group. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Findings from the study, conducted using a qualitative approach and case study design, revealed that teachers initially began graduate education motivated primarily by professional development, desire for management, status acquisition, breaking monotony, and overcoming feelings of professional inadequacy. However, during the thesis phase, it was determined that structural problems such as physical and mental fatigue, time constraints, the oppressive attitude of advisors, and lack of guidance seriously undermined motivation. In addition to external factors such as being transferred to another city, the pandemic, and earthquakes, the university being located in a different province and financial difficulties were also decisive factors in the loss of motivation experienced during the process. Furthermore, the negative attitudes of school administrators, additional assignments, and increased workload are institutional barriers that complicate the process. In light of the findings, it is recommended that programs be structured with a focus on application, class hours be optimized with hybrid models, and the advisory process be monitored. The Ministry of National Education and school administrations must implement supportive regulations, establish academic writing workshops, and clarify the career implications of graduate education in order to maintain the “effort-reward” balance. Finally, peer mentoring and social support platforms should be utilized to prevent feelings of isolation during the thesis writing process.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Education Management

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 21, 2026

Submission Date

January 31, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 28, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 3

APA
Dinç Bacak, Y., Kazak, E., & Er, O. (2026). The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 3, 1092-1120. https://doi.org/10.14686/buefad.1878378
AMA
1.Dinç Bacak Y, Kazak E, Er O. The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education. BUEFAD. 2026;(3):1092-1120. doi:10.14686/buefad.1878378
Chicago
Dinç Bacak, Yıldız, Ender Kazak, and Onur Er. 2026. “The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, nos. 3: 1092-1120. https://doi.org/10.14686/buefad.1878378.
EndNote
Dinç Bacak Y, Kazak E, Er O (June 1, 2026) The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education 3 1092–1120.
IEEE
[1]Y. Dinç Bacak, E. Kazak, and O. Er, “The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education”, BUEFAD, no. 3, pp. 1092–1120, June 2026, doi: 10.14686/buefad.1878378.
ISNAD
Dinç Bacak, Yıldız - Kazak, Ender - Er, Onur. “The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education. 3 (June 1, 2026): 1092-1120. https://doi.org/10.14686/buefad.1878378.
JAMA
1.Dinç Bacak Y, Kazak E, Er O. The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education. BUEFAD. 2026;:1092–1120.
MLA
Dinç Bacak, Yıldız, et al. “The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, no. 3, June 2026, pp. 1092-20, doi:10.14686/buefad.1878378.
Vancouver
1.Yıldız Dinç Bacak, Ender Kazak, Onur Er. The Collapse of Graduate Dreams: Motivational Dynamics and Difficulties Experienced by Teachers Who Dropped Out of Postgraduate Education. BUEFAD. 2026 Jun. 1;(3):1092-120. doi:10.14686/buefad.1878378

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Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education