Web Site of the Department 
 

Acting Head of Department : Osman Tolga Arıcak

Professors : Osman Tolga Arıcak

Associate Professors : Mine Göl Güven, Dilek Altun, Zeynep Berna Erdiller Yatmaz,

Assistant Professors : Ersoy Erdemir, Ayşegül Metindoğan

Assistants : Beyhan Ataş, Beyza Şirvan Ayaz

Instructors : Dr. Bülent Sezgin*, Dr. Bahar Kural*, Dr. Süreyya Yörük*, Dr. Seran Demirel*, Dr. Fatma Nalan Babür*, Ayça Tekin Keleşoğlu*, Meltem Ceylan Alibeyoğlu*, Deniz Keskin*, Pelin Elitok*, İdil Seda Ak*, Selçuk Fergökçe*

Part time*

The Department of Primary Education offers a four-year program leading to a bachelor's degree in Preschool Education.

The undergraduate program in Preschool Education aims to impart knowledge and develop skills of those who will be working in various environments with children up to the age of 8 years. In addition to training preschool teachers, we also aim to educate competent professionals who will be working with the families of young children, with the social institutions related to health, education, and community development. The program combines theoretical training and field experience and offers a vision based on current research.

There is also a double-major program in Preschool Education and Guidance and Psychological Counseling 
 

Established

1998

ISCED Code

143

Educational goals and objectives

The Undergraduate Program in Preschool Education aims to develop knowledge and skills for professionals who will be working in various environments with children up to the age of 8 years. The aim is not limited to training preschool teacher candidates but also to educating competent professionals who will be working with the families of young children, with social institutions related to health and education, and with the community to promote community development. The program combines theoretical training and field experience, and offers a scientific vision based on current research. Courses in the undergraduate program are offered by various departments of the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Courses offered by Department of Primary Education are grouped within three main categories of courses; theory, practice and research.  Topics of theoretical courses aim at providing fundamentals of early childhood education and vary from early intervention and child development theories to special education and literacy in early childhood. Research courses aim at developing research skills and involve topics about research methods and curriculum development. Courses related to music and movement, community practice, art activities, and practicum form a part of practice-based courses.  The department has a children’s library and laboratory for the use of pre-service teachers in practice-based courses. Variety of children' books and educational materials are provided within children's library and laboratory.

Admission and special requirements

The language of instruction is English. A one-year mandatory Preparatory Program is implemented in the language of instruction of the program. At the end of the program, those who pass the proficiency exam in the relevant language are directly enrolled in the first year. 

Acknowledgement of previous learning

The succeed courses by the internal and external transition students in previous associate degree and undergraduate programs will be exempted with the decision of the Board of Faculty of Education.

Graduation requirements

In order to graduate, the student must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 and successfully pass all the required and elective courses specified in the program.

Program learning outcomes

1. Professionalism and Ethical Values: Embraces a professional perspective and attitude rooted in universal ethical values, supported by scientific data. Demonstrates exemplary conduct within society as both an academic and an educator. 
2. Scientific and Critical Thinking: Exhibits scientific and critical thinking abilities. Proficiently generates innovative solutions for challenges pertaining to early childhood education. Utilizes advanced English language proficiency, as well as information and communication technologies, scientific research methods, and techniques in their educational and academic endeavors.  
3. Bio-Ecological Developmental Evaluation: Proficiently assesses children from a bio-ecological systems standpoint, accounting for their developmental stages. Integrates insights from biological, psychological, sociological, historical, cultural, political, and economic contexts to bolster child development.
4. Children's Rights and Individuality: Possesses comprehensive knowledge of children's rights, acknowledges the child's subjectivity and individuality, and molds practices in alignment with these principles.
5. Family Collaboration and Empowerment: Approaches the child holistically, collaborating closely with their family. Nurtures family partnerships for the child's development and learning, fostering school-family connections, and enabling family involvement and empowerment.  
6. Inclusive Program Development: Devises programs that encompass the diversity of children and families. Addresses the unique needs of disadvantaged/at-risk groups while adhering to rigorous scientific standards.
7. Special Needs Expertise: Proficiently guides families and children, particularly those with special needs, collaborating effectively with experts to implement classroom practices.
8. Program Evaluation and Leadership: Demonstrates sound knowledge of early childhood education programs. Evaluates the appropriateness of various programs for the child, family, and context. Designs and leads programs, showcasing leadership and management skills while ensuring adherence to quality standards and workplace/environmental safety.
9. Creative Learning Environments: Showcases specialized skills in areas such as drama, art, music, literature, etc. Utilizes these talents to create captivating learning environments that engage the child's curiosity and promote individual development.
10. Assessment Proficiency: Familiarity with formal and informal assessment techniques applicable during early childhood. Skillfully interprets these methods to comprehend the child and their surroundings. Analyzes and interprets basic statistical data. Possesses knowledge of measurement and evaluation to gauge the efficacy of educational programs.

TYYÇ Ulusal Yeterlikler

TYYÇ Alan Yeterlikleri

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION

 Total: 138 Credits, 257/258 ECTS


COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PRED 101 History, Philosophy, and Principles of Preschool Education (3+0+0 ) 3 ECTS 8
(Okulöncesi Eğitimin, Tarihçesi, Felsefesi ve İlkeleri)
Theoretical, social and political roots of various approaches; philosophies, principles and policies affecting the live of young children, their families and communities; educational practices including curriculum, environmental organization and structures, and families', teachers' and children's roles.

PRED 102 History, Philosophy, and Principles of Early Childhood Education (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 8
(Erken Çocukluk Eğitiminin, Tarihçesi, Felsefesi ve İlkeleri)

Theoretical, social, political, and historical roots of various approaches; philosophies, principles, and policies affecting the lives of young children, their families, and communities; current principles, policies, programs, and educational practices affecting the lives of young children, families, and communities; Child care and education systems in Turkey for young children; Observation in early childhood centers.

PRED 106 Children and their Environments (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 6
(Çocuklar ve Çevreleri)
Environmental and developmental issues shaping the lives of children and their families; children's rights; children and their families in various environments; observation and work with children in related settings.

PRED 107 Children’s Physiology, Health, Nutrition, and Well-being (3+0+0) 3 AKTS 8
(Çocuk Fizyolojisi, Sağlığı, Beslenmesi ve İyi Olma Hali)
Current status of children’s health in micro and macro levels, developmental milestones during early childhood period, child well-being constructs and indicators; childhood diseases, symptoms and prevention methods; possible accidents in early childhood education institutions, precautions and first aid methods.

PRED 108 Children's Health and Human Physiology II ( 3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Çocuk Sağlığı ve İnsan Fizyolojisi II )
Common child illnesses, principles of nutrition, collection and evaluation of child health data in preschool education settings.

PRED 120 Ethical Integrity and Orientation for Academia (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 8
(Etik Doğruluk ve Akademiye Hazırlık)
Introducing academic life, resources of the university and the department, and ethical rules in academia; reviewing the relevant primary education literature; basic rules of academic writing; writing evidence-based academic reports; documenting sources using appropriate citation formats; communicating results.

PRED 134 Art Activities for Children (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 5
(Çocuklar için Resim Faaliyetleri )
Visual arts for children of ages 0-7; readings and group discussions; exploring curricular concepts and personal ideas through creative art experiences.

PRED 154 Academic Orientation for Math and Science Teachers (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 4
(Matematik ve Fen Öğretmenleri için Akademik Hazırlık )
Collecting and analyzing educational data through observation; making inferences; reviewing relevant math and science education literature; writing evidence-based academic reports; documenting sources using appropriate citation formats; communicating results.

PRED 203 Theories of Child Development I (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
(Çocuk Gelişimi Kuramları I)
Major developmental achievements in prenatal, infancy and early childhood periods; concentration on children's biological, physiological, cognitive, social, emotional and language development.

PRED 204 Theories of Child Development II (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 8
(Çocuk Gelişimi Kuramları II)
Major developmental achievements from early childhood through middle childhood to adulthood; concentration on biological, physiological, cognitive, social, emotional and language development.

PRED 210 Music and Movement in Early Childhood (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 6
(İlkçocuklukta Müzik ve Hareket )
Understanding and exploring the joys of music and movement shared with children; collecting and learning songs and playing instruments of various styles and cultures; organizing musical and movement experiences for children.

PRED 211 Curriculum Development I (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 7
(Program Geliştirme I)
Examination of curriculum and integrated learning environments for young children that foster physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development; designing and evaluating curriculum activities appropriate to children of 0-8 years of age; emphasis on developmental status, special needs and socio-cultural backgrounds of each child.
Prerequisite: PRED 203 or PRED 204.

PRED 212 Curriculum Development  (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 8
(Program Geliştirme)
Examination of major curriculum approaches in early childhood education; designing and evaluating curriculum activities appropriate to children 0-8 years of age; the role of the teacher in relation to the parent and the child.
Corequisites: PRED 204, Prerequisites: PRED 203

PRED 214 Language Development and Literacy in Early Years
(Dil Gelişimi ve Erken Yaşlarda Okuma Yazma ) (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
Language development ; the role of the educator in early literacy;emphasis on the inter-relatedness of language arts (reading, writing, listening, speaking) for young children; designing of learning environments and materials to foster creative development and critical thinking in communication.
Prerequisite: PRED 203.

PRED 218 Applied Child Development (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 8
(Uygulamalı Çocuk Gelişimi)
Learning how to apply developmental theories; understanding and supporting cognitive, social emotional and physical development; introduction to teaching in various child care settings; introduction to participant observation and supervised teaching experience; learning social emotional development; understanding teachers' behaviors and attitudes on classroom context; learning and applying different classroom management techniques and conflict resolution strategies; effects of learning environment.
Corequisites: PRED 203. Prerequisites: PRED 204

PRED 220 Introduction to Special Education in Early Childhood and Primary School Years (3+0+4) 4
(İlkçocukluk ve İlköğretim Yıllarında Özel Eğitim)
Education of children with learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders, attention deficit disorders, mild-moderate mental retardation, physical disabilities, and gifted children; overview of history, definitions, current issues, characteristics, theoretical perspectives, classroom management, and educational programming in special education.

PRED 282 Science Education in Formal and Informal Contexts (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
(Formel ve Enformel Ortamlarda Fen Eğitimi)
Theoretical approaches to curriculum development and instruction in science education. Examining learning goals and objectives in curricula. Concepts and principles of instructional processes in formal and informal contexts.
Prerequisite: ED 211

PRED 310 Special Education in Early and Primary Years (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 8
(Erken Dönem ve İlkokul Yıllarında Özel Eğitim )
Teaching students with special needs in early and primary years. Overview of the history of special education, Examination of issues and trends in special education, theoretical perspectives. Definitions, characteristics, and the etiology of disabilities.

PRED 313 Early Intervention: Theory and Practice (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
(Erken Müdahale: Kuram ve Pratik)
Introduction to the concepts of developmental vulnerability; theoretical bases of early intervention and different models of service delivery; discussion of research perspectives and policy issues in intervention.

PRED 317 Measurement and Evaluation in Preschool Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Okulöncesi Eğitiminde Ölçme ve Değerlendirme)
Gathering information for making individualized instructional decisions; effective informal assessment techniques with an emphasis on ecological approach; introducing standardized assessment and screening instruments and their limitations.

PRED 318 Assessment and Evaluation in Early Childhood Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Erken Çocukluk Eğitiminde Ölçme ve Değerlendirme)
Psychometric approaches to assessment, knowledge of formal and informal assessment and evaluation techniques, collecting information for making individualized instructional decisions, standardized assessment and screening instruments and their limitations.

PRED 320 Research Methods (4+0+0) 4 ECTS 7
(Araştırma Yöntemleri)
Basic methods and processes of qualitative and quantitative research with young children and their families.

PRED 321 Children's Literature (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Çocuk Edebiyatı)
Introduction to literature for young children; developing sensitivity to qualities in literature meaningful to children through reading, listening, and using and creating books and poems; developing criteria for evaluating children's literature.

PRED 324 Practicum II (2+6+4) 4 ECTS 8
(Uygulama II)
Integrating theories of child development and teaching practice; preparing and managing activities in early childhood settings; observation of children and supervised teaching experience in these settings.
Prerequisite: PRED 218.

PRED 325 Developmental Experiences in Mathematics and Science
(Fen ve Matematik Alanlarında Gelişimsel Deneyimler ) (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 5
Play strategies and curricular themes in mathematics and science; designing, implementing and evaluating curricula; examination of computer software packages.

PRED 330 Creative Drama Activities (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Yaratıcı Drama Çalışmaları) 
Learning environments and activities for creativity; drama activities in preschool education.

PRED 331 Special Education in Early Childhood and Primary School Years I
(İlkçocukluk ve İlköğretim Yıllarında Özel Eğitim I ) ( 3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
Education of children with learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders, attention deficit disorders, mild-moderate mental retardation, physical disabilities and gifted children; overview of history, definitions, current issues, characteristics, theoretical perspectives, classroom management, and educational programming in special education.

PRED 332 Special Education in Early Childhood and Primary School Years II
(İlkçocukluk ve İlköğretim Yıllarında Özel Eğitim I ) (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 6
Effective inclusion practices; special education procedures and services; assessing and evaluating student needs; lesson planning based on classroom and student needs.
Prerequisite: PRED 331 or Consent of the Instructor.

PRED 333 Data Processing and Statistics in Education (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 8
(Eğitimde Veri İşlemesi ve İstatistik)
Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical techniques used for quantitative social science data. Descriptive statistics; probability distributions; parametric and non-parametric statistics. Introduction to statistical package programs for purposes of data analysis.

PRED 348 Community Service (1+0+2) 2 ECTS 3
(Toplum Hizmeti )
Active participation in community service settings; creating projects at individual or group levels.

PRED 350 Teaching Geometry (3+0+0 ) 3 ECTS 8
(Geometri Öğretimi )
Teaching basic geometric concepts of undefined terms, axioms, theorems on points, lines, planes, angles, theorems and axioms on congruence and similarity, geometric figures in a plane and their areas, basic theorems on circles, projection, solid figures and their areas and volumes.

PRED 351 Laboratory Applications in Science Education I (1+0+4) 3 ECTS 7
(Fen Eğitiminde Laboratuvar Uygulamaları I )
Design and application of various types of laboratory lessons; teaching process, communication and analytical skills; teaching scientific conceptualization.

PRED 352 Laboratory Applications in Science Education II (1+0+4) 3 ECTS 8
(Fen Eğitiminde Laboratuvar Uygulamaları II )
Design and application of experiments to overcome misconceptions. Evaluating and assessing students' scientific process, analytical and communication skills, and their scientific knowledge.
Prerequisite: PRED 351

PRED 354 Teaching Probility and Statistics for Primary Mathematics (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
(İlköğretimde Olasılık ve İstatistiğin Öğretilmesi)
Elementary probability concepts; Introduction to statistics: descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, estimation and hypothesis testing, non-parametric statistics. Instructional methods for teaching probability and data analysis.

PRED 358 Teaching Science I (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
(Fen Öğretimi I )
Selection and application of appropriate methods and media for teaching science. Recent trends and developments in teaching science. Analysis of methods and strategies in teaching the content of current science textbooks.

PRED 370 Assessment in Mathematics and Science Education (3+0+0 ) 3 ECTS 6
(Fen ve Matematik Eğitiminde Ölçme ve Değerlendirme)
Descriptive statistics. Review of classical test theory. Reliability, validity and fundamental principles of assessment. Measurement and evaluation of constructs relevant to science education. Development of achievement tests. Discussion of various assessment tools.

PRED 371 Teaching Mathematics I (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
( Matematik Öğretimi I )
Selection and application of appropriate methods and media for teaching mathematics. Recent trends and developments in teaching mathematics. Analysis of methods and strategies in teaching the content of current textbooks.

PRED 372 Teaching Mathematics II (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 7
(Matematik Öğretimi II )
General and specific objectives of mathematics curricula and teaching-learning processes. Application of appropriate methods and media for teaching mathematics and science. Critical review of current textbooks. Micro teaching applications and evaluation of instruction.
Prerequisite: PRED 371.

PRED 380 Understanding and Guiding Children's Behavior) (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 4
(Çocuk Davranışını Anlama ve Yönlendirme)
Effects of learning environment, socio-emotional development on behavior, teachers' behaviors and attitudes on classroom context; classroom management techniques; conflict resolution strategies.

PRED 382 Critical Issues in Science Education ( 3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
(Fen Eğitiminde Tartışılan Konular )
Critical issues in science and technology curricula: examining related goals 4in curricula; development of curriculum materials, methods and strategies.

PRED 411 Applied Research in Child Development and Family Issues (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 8
(Çocuk Gelişimi ve Aile Konularında Uygulamalı Araştırma)
Conducting, reporting and presenting scientific research on children in various environments for learning and development.
Prerequisites: PRED 320 and PRED 333.

PRED 413 Early Childhood Education Teaching Practices I (2+1+3) 4 ECTS 8
(Erken Çocukluk Eğitiminde Öğretmenlik Uygulamaları I)
Unit planning and implementation of daily curriculum in various early childhood care and development settings.
Prerequisites: PRED 218

PRED 414 Early Childhood Education Teaching Practices II (2+1+3) 4 ECTS 8
(Erken Çocukluk Eğitiminde Öğretmenlik Uygulamaları II)
Unit planning and implementation of daily curriculum in various early childhood care and development settings.
Prerequisite: PRED 413

PRED 415 Cross-cultural Issues in Preschool Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Okulöncesi Eğitimde Kültürlerarası Akımlar)
Examining child rearing goals and practices in various cultures; understanding effects of culture in early childhood care and development programming.

PRED 416 Family Engagement in Early Childhood Education (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 8
(Erken Çocukluk Eğitiminde Aile Katılımı)
Role of families in children’s lives, interacting as professionals with children and parents in different environments, constructing learning environments that value and build on diverse cultural values of children and families, examination of "mismatch" between home and school expectations, discussion of effective models and practices to develop knowledge and skills both in teaching and reaching out to families, examining the effectiveness of national and international family involvement programs for early childhood education institutions, review of research in Turkey on early childhood family involvement, designing and implementing a family involvement program.
Corequisites: PRED 413

PRED 418 Management in Educational and Social Settings (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 4
(Eğitim ve Sosyal Ortamların Yönetimi)
Setting goals, assessing staff skills, planning and evaluating curriculum, communicating effectively with parents, implementing health and nutrition policies; advocating for children and families; discussion of classroom issues in the context of recent research on young children in group settings and on child care in society.

PRED 422 Seminar on Early Childhood Education Practice Teaching  (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 8
(Erken Çocukluk Eğitiminde Öğretmenlik Uygulaması Semineri)
Providing students with an opportunity to reflect on their school experience with their peers and supervisor, evaluate their performances in previous weeks, and use the feedback received to develop their personal teaching styles. Organizing a series of informative seminars for the students with invited practitioners and administrators from the field.
Prerequisite: PRED 413.

PRED 423 Data Processing (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 7
(Veri Çözümlemesi)
Analysis of educational data. Application of different techniques and data analysis software.

PRED 424 Early Childhood Education Teaching Practices (2+1+3) 4 ECTS 8
(Erken Çocukluk Eğitiminde Öğretmenlik Uygulamaları)
Preparing and managing activities in early childhood settings; preparing activities and experiences to develop and support children’s school readiness; giving feedback about the activity and experience plans; working on skills for being reflective teachers.
Prerequisites: PRED 413

PRED 431 Nature of Science for Science Teachers (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Fen Öğretmenleri için Bilimin Doğası)
Survey of history, philosophy and sociology of science; their role in science education; pedagogical approaches and strategies to plan, implement and assess the understanding of the nature of science.

PRED 460 Research Methods in Math and Science Education (4+0+0) 4 ECTS 8
(Fen ve Matematik Eğitiminde Araştırma Yöntemleri)
Basic methods and processes of qualitative and quantitative research in math and science education.

PRED 461 Computer Assisted Mathematics Teaching (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 7
(Bilgisayar Destekli Matematik Öğretimi)
Computers and mathematics, modelling with computers in mathematics teaching, software and application of programs in teaching mathematics with computers.

PRED 462 Applied Research in Math and Science Education (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 8
(Fen ve Matematik Eğitiminde Uygulamalı Araştırma)
Reseach applications in elementary math and science education
Prerequisite: PRED 460.

PRED 464 Teaching the History of Mathematics (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Matematik Tarihi Öğretimi)
Exploring the historical origins of topics in primary mathematics curricula; solving problems in a historical context; developing an understanding and appreciation of mathematicians in the past; providing a historical background for modern mathematics students.

PRED 465 School Experience in Teaching Math and Science II (1+0+4) 3 ECTS 6
(Matematik ve Fen Öğretiminde Okul Deneyimi II )
School related experiences and observations, and groupwork in classrooms: classroom management, unit design, class organization, group work for establishing the fundamentals for teaching practice under the supervision of a mentor; micro teaching practices.
Prerequisite: PRED 371 or PRED 358.

PRED 466 Practice Teaching in Mathematics (6-8) (2+0+5) 4 ECTS 7
(Matematik Öğretmenliği Uygulaması)
Observation of mathematics instruction in schools, design of resource unit and lesson plans, supervised student teaching in real settings.
Prerequisites: PRED 463 and PRED 465.

PRED 468 Seminar on Practice Teaching in Mathematics (2+0+4) 4 ECTS 8
(İlköğretim Matematik Eğitimi Öğretmenlik Uygulaması Semineri )
Providing students with an opportunity to reflect on their school experience with their peers and supervisor; evaluate their performance in previous weeks and use the feedback received to develop their personal teaching styles.
Prerequisites: PRED 463 and PRED 465.

PRED 471 Teaching Science II (2+0+2) 3 ECTS 5
(Fen Öğretimi II )
General and specific objectives of science curricula and teaching-learning processes. Application of appropriate methods and media for teaching science. Critical review of current textbooks. Micro teaching applications and evaluation of instruction.
Prerequisite: PRED 358.

PRED 474 Practice Teaching in Science (2+0+5) 4 ECTS 8
(Fen Öğretmenliği Uygulaması )
Observation of science instruction in schools, design of resource unit and lesson plans, supervised student teaching in classroom or laboratory.
Prerequisites: PRED 471 and PRED 465.

PRED 476 Seminar on Practice Teaching in Science (2+0+4) 4 ECTS 7
(Fen Eğitimi Öğretmenlik Uygulaması Semineri)
Reflecting on school experience with peers and supervisor; evaluating previous performance and using feedback to develop their personal teaching styles.
Prerequisites: PRED 471 and PRED 465.

PRED 480,481,482,483,484,485,486,487,488,489 Special Topics in Primary Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(İlköğretimde Özel Konular)
Special topics of current interest in Primary Education.

PRED 490,491,492,493,494,495,496,497,498,499 Special Studies in Primary Education   (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(İlköğretimde Özel Çalışmalar)
Special studies in Primary Education selected to suit the individual interest of the students.