The opinions of liberal arts professors about the teacher education system (An example of Uludag University, liberal arts faculty)

Abstract

The place of liberal arts faculties in teacher education is a much debated topic. After the 1980s, liberal arts faculties are more involved in teacher education. The purpose of this study is to determine the opinions of those professors working at liberal art faculties about the teacher education system. This research is a case study in which embedded single-case design was used. 12 professors working at Uludag University, Liberal Arts Faculty participated in this research. The data have been obtained via semi-structured interviews and were analyzed with the inductive content analysis. Most professors in this study stated that liberal arts faculties are supposed to prepare scientists and teachers, they prepare teachers for high schools, these teachers should have the pedagogical certificate courses, and these courses should be given during undergraduate education. There is no joint opinion about the course of special teaching methods. In addition, faculty who have had their background from liberal arts are perceived to be inefficient and as a result of this educational faculties are perceived negatively by the participating professors.