Akreditasyon Sürecini Tamamlayan Yabancı Diller Yüksekokulu Öğretim Elemanlarının Sürece İlişkin Görüşlerinin Belirlenmesi

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to determine the views of instructors_x000D_ who work at accredited schools of foreign languages about the accreditation process that they have been through. This study follows the qualitative case study research design. The participants were 31 English instructors working at 12 different foreign language schools in Turkey. A set of_x000D_ semi-structured interview questions created by the researchers were used_x000D_ as the data collection tool. The collected data were then subjected to content analysis. It was found that documentation was the most problematic_x000D_ area for the institutions during the accreditation process, so it was the_x000D_ most labor-intensive area for the instructors. Also, it was found that there_x000D_ were significant improvements in the learning and teaching process at_x000D_ these institutions, which resulted in a higher quality of instruction. In_x000D_ addition, it was observed that the accreditation process triggers creation_x000D_ of a culture of quality and continuous development among the instructors. It can be recommended that all teaching staff should be well_x000D_ informed about the accreditation purpose and process, ensuring staff_x000D_ readiness. Furthermore, the burden of work involved in accreditation_x000D_ should be shared by all the staff, with a well-planned and balanced division of labor among them.

The main purpose of this study is to determine the views of instructors who work at accredited schools of foreign languages about the accreditation process that they have been through. This study follows the qualitative case study research design. The participants were 31 English instructors working at 12 different foreign language schools in Turkey. A set of semi-structured interview questions created by the researchers were used as the data collection tool. The collected data were then subjected to content analysis. It was found that documentation was the most problematic area for the institutions during the accreditation process, so it was the most labor-intensive area for the instructors. Also, it was found that there were significant improvements in the learning and teaching process at these institutions, which resulted in a higher quality of instruction. In addition, it was observed that the accreditation process triggers creation of a culture of quality and continuous development among the instructors. It can be recommended that all teaching staff should be well informed about the accreditation purpose and process, ensuring staff readiness. Furthermore, the burden of work involved in accreditation should be shared by all the staff, with a well-planned and balanced division of labor among them.