LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION IN TURKEY: THE PERSPECTIVES OF PRE-SERVICE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS

Language teaching programs include different variables but it is a well-known fact that the role of teacher education is one of the most vital factors in language teaching. It is crucial to carry out sufficient and influential teacher education program so as to teach a language effectively. There are lots of studies on language teacher education both in all over the world and in Turkey, but it is also necessary to know views and expectations of pre-service English teachers. Only by understanding their needs, expectations and views, can effective teacher education programs be presented.Taking this fact into account, the aim of this study is stated as to investigate pre-service EFL teachers’ perceptions on teacher education program they are engaged in. Participants of current study consist of 30 students studying in the last year of English language teacher education program in Turkey. In this qualitative study, the data were obtained from reflective writings of student-teachers and follow up interviews. The participants were asked questions to identify their perceptions of teacher education program, and their expectations about it. In this study, the findings were analyzed qualitatively and discussed in the light of related literature.