Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
3rd International Ege Congress on Scientific Research, İzmir, Türkiye, 20 - 22 Aralık 2024, ss.1
ABSTRACT
The question of what constitutes a good teacher has been a
topic of debate in teacher education. In the 21st century, effective teachers
must possess a range of skills beyond traditional pedagogical expertise,
including digital literacy and adaptability. These skills enable teachers to
respond to the evolving needs of the modern classroom. Exploring the
perceptions of pre-service teachers (PTs) is crucial for the development of
effective teacher education programs to equip them with 21st century skills. Therefore,
the aim of the present study was to find out the PTs’ perceptions on what makes
a teacher a good teacher. More specifically, the study aimed at exploring to
what extent the PTs’ perceptions overlap with 21st century teaching skills. The study took place in the
Department of English Language Teaching of a highly competitive state
university in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 120 PTs of English as a
foreign language (EFL) voluntarily participated in the present study. Data
collection instrument was an open-ended survey question which asked the PTs
their perceptions on the features of a good teacher. Data gathered from the
survey were then analyzed by using MAXQDA data analysis software. The results
of the study will be discussed in the light of the perceptions of PTs on what
makes a teacher a good teacher and the 21st century teacher skills. The current
study has demonstrated what PTs think on how to be a good teacher and whether
the PTs’ perceptions overlap with 21st century teaching skills. In conclusion,
exploring the perceptions of EFL PTs is crucial for the development of
effective teacher education programs that prepare them for the challenges and
opportunities of the 21st-century classroom.
Keywords: English as a Foreign Language;
Pre-service Teachers; Teacher Education; 21st Century Skills; Teachers’
Perceptions