The challenge of pre-examination system in Turkey for teacher candidates and potential solutions to the challenge

Abstract

In this study, the researcher investigates the selection procedure for teacher candidates in Turkey from the past to today. Historical background of teacher training and the selection methods to teacher training programs were exhibited in detail. This extent literature review reveals that since 1973, there has not been any specific assessment system towards teacher candidates before teacher training programs. This nonexistence brings out plenty of problems. The main concern of this study is to question the reasons behind this inversion in the pre-selection system. Additionally, by comparing the current system and the former one, to reveal all changes to the daylight is the second interest of the researcher. Lastly, essential teacher qualities and to select teacher candidates who have these personal and professional traits are interrogated to develop better selection system in Turkey or to enhance the existent one. The research is based on in-depth interviews with five authorities who have the power of sanction in the education field in Turkey. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, analyzed, and interpreted according to the basis of qualitative content analysis. ideal ways to assess these candidates to teacher education programs were asked to the interviewees. The results of the research show that the changes in the system drived from policy, sociology, and global changes. Additionally, candidates, assessment methods, and the content of the examination system has altered over the years. Yet, authorities claim that teachers should have some specific personal and professional qualities and to choose these kinds of teacher candidates, a pre-examination is an urgency. However, potential solutions presented in 2023 Vision document is only to enhance the existent selection system. Thus, the absence of a pre-examination system keeps being a vital cause for other challenges in teacher education in Turkey.