Faculty: Education

This specialization provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of teaching the Turkish language, focusing on pedagogy, linguistics, and the cultural context. Students will explore key areas such as language acquisition, curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and assessment strategies. The program emphasizes effective communication, cultural awareness, and professional development to prepare students for careers as Turkish language teachers in schools, language institutes, and international environments.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of Turkish language structure, grammar, and phonetics.
• Develop skills in designing and implementing effective Turkish language curricula.
• Learn teaching methodologies tailored for different age groups and proficiency levels.
• Explore the cultural and historical context of the Turkish language.
• Understand assessment tools and techniques to evaluate language proficiency.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in teaching Turkish as a first or second language.
• Develop communication and classroom management skills for effective teaching.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Teaching Turkish
   • Overview of the Turkish language, its history and its role in education.
2. Turkish Linguistics and Grammar
   • Study of Turkish phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
   • Techniques for effective teaching of grammar.
3. Theories of Language Acquisition and Learning
   • Principles of first and second language acquisition.
   • Techniques for applying learning theories in the classroom.
4. Methods for Teaching Turkish
   • Overview of teaching approaches (e.g., communicative, task-based, immersive).
   • Techniques for adapting methods to different learner needs.
5. Curriculum Design and Lesson Planning
   • Basics of creating structured and engaging Turkish language curricula.
   • Techniques for developing lesson plans and educational materials.
6. Assessment and Evaluation
   • Principles of designing tests and assessments for language proficiency.
   • Techniques for providing constructive feedback to learners.
7. Cultural Context in Teaching Turkish
   • The role of Turkish culture, history, and literature in language education.
   • Techniques for integrating cultural elements into lessons.
8. Classroom Management and Communication
   • Strategies for maintaining an effective and inclusive learning environment.
   • Techniques for enhancing student participation and engagement.
9. Technology in Language Teaching
   • Use of digital tools and resources for teaching Turkish.
   • Techniques for integrating technology into language teaching.
10. Professional Development and Practical Training
    • Real-world teaching experience through practicums or internships.
    • Techniques for reflective practice and continuous improvement.

Assessment Methods:

• Development of lesson plans and teaching presentations.
• Written assignments in linguistics, pedagogy, and curriculum design.
• Participation in group discussions and peer teaching exercises.
• Reflective journals and portfolios documenting teaching experiences.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language" by Ahmed Bican Ercilasun.
• "Principles of Language Learning and Teaching" by H. Douglas Brown.
• "Curriculum Development in Language Teaching" by Jack C. Richards.
• "Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching" by Diane Larsen-Freeman.

Prerequisites:

Proficiency in the Turkish language is required. Suitable for students in education, linguistics, and related fields.

Duration of Specialization:

Typically 3 to 4 years, including teaching practice and internships.

Certification:

Graduates may receive a degree in Turkish Language Teacher Training or a related field, depending on the program and institution.

Target Audience:

Aspiring Turkish language teachers and professionals seeking to teach Turkish in schools, language institutes, or international settings. This specialization equips students with the linguistic knowledge, pedagogical skills, and cultural awareness necessary to excel as Turkish language teachers, fostering effective communication and cultural understanding in diverse learning environments.