Vocational Education in Turkey: The Past, Changes and the Future

Overview & Synopsis

This study explores the present conditions and emerging issues about the future of vocational teacher education in Turkey. The paper discusses the background and historic legacies that have led to the restructuring of Faculties of Teacher Education in Turkey. The influence of the reforms from the foundation of the Turkish Republic are discussed as background to the context of the current Turkish education system and the historical relationships between vocational education, higher education and Faculties of Technical Education. Historic influences are situated against the continuing challenges and concerns faced by faculties of technical education in preparing vocational education teachers. Finally, ambitious new restructuring developments for faculties of technical education and vocational teacher higher education institutes are introduced. The paper provides insights into the process of building capability in vocational education in Turkey and the quest to ensure graduates of vocational teacher programs gain employment. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)