A NEED-BASED EVALUATION OF A PREPARATORY SCHOOL PROGRAM: EXPERIENCE AND REFLECTIONS OF FRESHMAN STUDENTS

This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the program carried out at Gazi University Preparatory School and to provide a reflection on the program from the students' point of view. For this purpose, the freshman students studying at partly English-medium departments at Gazi University were chosen as the target population. Long (2005) states that though learners are capable of providing useful and valid insights about their needs, it could be better to access other available sources as well, such as experienced teachers and subject area specialists. Accordingly, two academics were also included in the study. In the light of the related literature, the data collection tools- a questionnaire, a student interview and an academic interview- were developed in consultation with the scholars. The data collected were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings of the questionnaire were discussed respectively, and complemented by the data gathered through the interviews carried out both with the students and the academics. The findings of the study have revealed that the preparatory program partly met the language needs of the students, and should be developed particularly in terms of listening, speaking and vocabulary . Moreover, the findings have demonstrated once again that there are many factors to be considered while designing or evaluating a curriculum.