Research Article

PIKTES Special Education Workshops From Theory To Classroom Practice: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Of Special Education Teachers' Professional Transformation

Volume: 7 Number: 2 December 31, 2025
İrem Akçayır *, Sami Pektaş , Mustafa Mert Örnek , Alper Kaşkaya , Erhan Şahin , Mahmut Çitil , Nilüfer Altun , Oğuzhan Hazır , Ufuk Özkubat , Yasin Günlü , Zehra Atbaşı , Cihan Kıvanç , Doğan Onur Köksal , Salih Vural , Özlem Ülgüt , Merve Taşcı

PIKTES Special Education Workshops From Theory To Classroom Practice: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Of Special Education Teachers' Professional Transformation

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of PIKTES+ workshops designed to support the professional development of teachers who work with foreign students under temporary protection and students with special educational needs in Türkiye. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, and 120 special education teachers participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected through a Needs Analysis Form, while qualitative data were obtained via focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The findings show that teachers report high self-efficacy in classroom management and in sustaining student motivation, but also indicate theoretical gaps regarding evidence-based practices and data-based decision-making processes. Following the workshops, teachers reported increased awareness of technology integration, STEAM activities, and inclusive pedagogy, as well as a reduction in feelings of professional isolation. Overall, the results suggest that structured, interactive, and peer-based professional development models are essential for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and classroom practice.

Keywords

Inclusive education , refugee education , special education , teacher professional development , mixed methods.

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APA
Akçayır, İ., Pektaş, S., Örnek, M. M., Kaşkaya, A., Şahin, E., Çitil, M., Altun, N., Hazır, O., Özkubat, U., Günlü, Y., Atbaşı, Z., Kıvanç, C., Köksal, D. O., Vural, S., Ülgüt, Ö., & Taşcı, M. (2025). PIKTES Special Education Workshops From Theory To Classroom Practice: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Of Special Education Teachers’ Professional Transformation. Journal of Teacher Education and Lifelong Learning, 7(2), 397-410. https://doi.org/10.51535/tell.1832230