Cennet Demir | Middle East Technical University (original) (raw)

Papers by Cennet Demir

Research paper thumbnail of The Visible Side of the Hidden Curriculum in Schools (Okullardaki Örtük Programın Görünen Kısmı)

Research paper thumbnail of From school to society: Children and students as change agents of social change. Project activities implementation handbook

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a new statistics curriculum for graduate level students

Research paper thumbnail of From school to community: empowering students as active citizens in Turkish context

Research paper thumbnail of Philosophical basis of Turkish and American teachers' pedagogical beliefs and practices

Education-line Home Page. Philosophical Basis of Turkish and American Teachers' Pedagogical ... more Education-line Home Page. Philosophical Basis of Turkish and American Teachers' Pedagogical Beliefs and Practices. Cennet Engin Demir. Middle East Technical University. Paper presented at the European Conference on ...

Research paper thumbnail of Implementation of Life Sciences from the Perspectives of Students: Creative Drama as a Qualitative Data Collection Method

The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions of students on the implementation of life sci... more The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions of students on the implementation of
life sciences curriculum through using creative drama sessions. Eighty seven 2nd and 3rd grade students
from an elementary school in one of the districts of Ankara participated in the study. Data were collected
through employing four different creative drama methods: (a) letters, (b) drawings, (c) improvisations,
and (d) still images of students. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data collected in
drama sessions. The findings indicated that the teachers had a role of knowledge transmitter to a group of
passive students in life sciences classrooms. The most frequently used teaching methods were lecturing,
question-answer, and demonstration through using textbooks, workbooks, and white boards. In addition,
the most frequently used assessment methods were essay and oral exams, classroom observations, and
self-assessment. Besides, it emerged that students prefer group work and animation rather than typing.
The affluence and diversity of collected data in this study showed that as an art-based qualitative research
method, creative drama was a quite effective method in revealing intimate opinions of young children.

Research paper thumbnail of Quality of Education in Rural Schools: A Needs Assessment Study (Ankara-Kalecik Sample)

This study aims to examine the quality of education provided by elementary schools in Kalecik, a ... more This study aims to examine the quality of education provided by elementary schools in Kalecik, a rural district of Ankara, from the perspectives of administrators, teachers, and students. The participants of the study were 3 administrators, 33 teachers, and 212 students from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades chosen from 3- elementary school. Data related to school facilities, students’ family backgrounds and educational expectations, teacher characteristics, school climate and education quality, parent involvement, curriculum implementation and availability of technology, and instructional materials were collected by using questionnaires. Results indicated that both teachers and students are satisfied with the school’s physical conditions. Conversely, the number of teachers teaching outside their areas of license is quite high. Besides, lack of technology and lack of parental involvement were found to be factors that might have an effect on the quality of education. Moreover, teachers tend to encourage competition rather than cooperation among students.

Research paper thumbnail of A Review of Research on Educational Theories and Approaches Affecting Students Achievement: 1990-2011

The present study aims to analyze the contents of the current research on the theories and approa... more The present study aims to analyze the contents of the current research on the theories and approaches affecting student achievement in Turkish context. A total of 69 studies published in well-known Turkish journals in education were reviewed. The results of the study showed that the most frequently studied theories and approaches in Turkey in relation to student achievement/outcome were Multiple Intelligences theory, Technology-based theories and approaches, and Constructivism. The majority of reviewed studies used experimental design and found a significant mean difference in favor of experimental group. At the end of the study, the results were discussed and necessary implications and suggestions were made. Key Words: New trends in education, educational research, instructional approaches, student outcome. Policy makers and educators have long been seeking for ways of improving education and obtaining desirable student outcomes. Therefore, the issue of student achievement has become a high point , andit has long been studied by researchers in terms of various aspects. To illustrate, teacher thinking, teacher characteristics, teacher quality, teacher preparation, and professional development are someof the issues, the impacts of which on student outcome are investigated (Boyd et al.

Research paper thumbnail of Implementation of the New Eighth Grade English Language Curriculum from the Perspectives of Teachers and Students

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012

This study aimed to reveal the perceptions of teachers and students about the implementation of t... more This study aimed to reveal the perceptions of teachers and students about the implementation of the new 8th grade English language curriculum (NELC) and the challenges faced by them in the implementation process. The participants were 10 English language teachers and 73 8 th grade students of public primary schools in analyzed through content analysis. It was revealed that NELC was not implemented effectively due to the lack of necessary materials, crowded classes, insufficient class hours, lack of gradual implementation of the NELC, lack of guidance and support for teachers and Level Determination Exam.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors influencing the academic achievement of the Turkish urban poor

International Journal of Educational Development, 2009

This study estimates the individual and combined effects of selected family, student and school c... more This study estimates the individual and combined effects of selected family, student and school characteristics on the academic achievement of poor, urban primary-school students in the Turkish context. Participants of the study consisted of 719 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade primary-school students from 23 schools in inner and outer city squatter settlements. The findings indicated that the set of variables comprising student characteristics, including well-being at school, scholastic activities and support, explained the largest amount of variance in academic achievement among the urban poor. Although the effect sizes are small, family background characteristics and school quality indicators were also found to be significantly related to academic achievement. The implications of this study for improving primary schools in urban poor neighborhoods are discussed. ß

Research paper thumbnail of Turkey's educational policies in Central Asia and Caucasia: Perceptions of policy makers and experts

International Journal of Educational Development, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of A Study on ELT High School Teachers’ Practices to Foster Learner Autonomy

Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Civic Engagement among University Students: Case of a Turkish Public University

Article Info Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of certain background variables ... more Article Info Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of certain background variables (gender, attending student club, newspaper reading, home residence, level of mother education, and level of father education) on university students' level of civic engagement in university setting. The study also aimed to explore if there were any significant differences among the three dimensions of civic engagement: students' activism, exercising rights, and interest in politics. The study employed causal comparative design and the sample involved 1074 undergraduate students who were selected by stratified sampling from all faculties of a Turkish public university. The data were collected by a self-developed Civic Engagement Scale and analyzed by Two-Way MANOVA and One-Way Repeated ANOVA analyses. One-Way Repeated ANOVA results indicated that there was a significant difference between the mean scores of three dimensions of civic engagement. More specifically, the level of students' activism was significantly lower than the level of students' exercising their rights and the level of their interest in politics. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the level of students' exercising their rights and interest in politics. Moreover, Two-Way MANOVA results showed that all selected variables had a significant effect on the three dimensions of students' civic engagement. Bu çalışmanın amacı, çeşitli demografik değişkenlerin (cinsiyet, öğrenci kulüplerine katılım, gazete okuma, çocukluğun geçtiği yaşam yeri, anne eğitim düzeyi ve baba eğitim düzeyi) üniversite öğrencilerinin üniversite ortamındaki sivil katılım düzeyine etkisini incelemektir. Ayrıca bu çalışma, öğrencilerin (1) aktifliği, (2) haklarını kullanması ve (3) politikaya ilgileri olmak üzere sivil katılımın üç boyutu arasında anlamlı bir fark olup olmadığını ortaya çıkarmayı amaçlamaktadır. Nedensel karşılaştırma deseninde tasarlanan bu araştırmanın örneklemi Türkiye'deki bir devlet üniversitesinin tüm fakültelerinden tabakalı örnekleme yoluyla seçilmiş olan 1074 lisans öğrencisinden oluşmaktadır. Sivil Katılım Ölçeği ile toplanan veriler iki yönlü çok değişkenli varyans analizi ve tek yönlü tekrarlı ölçümler varyans analizi ile analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre sivil katılım ölçeğinin üç boyutu arasında ortalama puanları açısından anlamlı bir farklılık olduğu görülmüştür. Öğrencilerin aktiflik ortalama puanının, haklarını kullanma ve politikaya ilgi ortalama puanlarından anlamlı bir şekilde daha düşük olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Diğer taraftan, öğrencilerin haklarını kullanma ve politikaya ilgi duyma ortalama puanları arasında anlamlı bir farklılık olmadığı ortaya çıkmıştır. Son olarak, sivil katılımın üç boyutu üzerinde tüm demografik değişkenlerin anlamlı bir etkisinin olduğu görülmüştür.

Research paper thumbnail of who are the future teachers? characteristics of entering student teachers

Research paper thumbnail of Who are the future teachers in Turkey? Characteristics of entering student teachers

International Journal of …, Jan 1, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Does Fulbright Make a Difference? The Turkish Perspective

Journal of Studies in International …, Jan 1, 2000

ABSTRACT This article reports on the findings of a research project carried out by a team of facu... more ABSTRACT This article reports on the findings of a research project carried out by a team of faculties at the Middle East Technical University and the Fulbright Education Committee in Turkey. The project aimed to investigate the Fulbright program's professional, personal, and social impacts and its effectiveness from the perspectives of Turkish scholars. Data were collected by mail from 277 Fulbright scholars living in various regions of Turkey. All of the scholars agreed that their Fulbright experience in the United States had had positive effects on their professional, social, and personal lives. Scholars were especially satisfied with the effect on their personal lives. For example, the Fulbright experience broadened their world viewpoint in a flexible and international setting. These results suggest that Fulbright scholars contribute to the development of the country, because many of them hold high-ranking positions that allow them to develop and implement policies in different sectors. For the development of the Fulbright program, it is recommended that continuous follow-up studies be conducted to identify its strengths and weaknesses.

Research paper thumbnail of Metaphors as a reflection of middle school students' perceptions of school: A cross-cultural analysis

Educational Research and Evaluation, Jan 1, 2007

IngentaConnect. ...

Research paper thumbnail of A repeated measures investigation of the first-year adaptation experiences of the female expatriate spouse living in Turkey

Journal of Career …, Jan 1, 2007

... Cennet Engin Demir Zeynep Hatipoglu Sümer Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Sh... more ... Cennet Engin Demir Zeynep Hatipoglu Sümer Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Sharrie Danielson Trinity Christian School Shelly DeVries Istanbul ... intent to stay on the assignment has been clearly established (Black & Stephens, 1989; Caligiuri, Hyland, Joshi, & ...

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges of primary education in Turkey: Priorities of parents and professionals

International Journal of Educational Development, Jan 1, 2006

This article investigates the major issues and problems of Turkish society that may have an impac... more This article investigates the major issues and problems of Turkish society that may have an impact on people's daily lives, and the characteristics required of primary school graduates as citizens in response to those issues and problems from the perspectives of parents and educational professionals. Data was collected from 407 parents and 389 professionals using three questionnaires developed by the researchers. Results indicated that priority challenges of primary education were considered to relate to peace, the environment, human rights, democracy, justice and equality. Additionally, primary school graduates were said to require critical thinking, problem solving, language and life skills, as well as openmindedness, expressiveness, peacefulness, flexibility and sensitivity towards environmental issues. r

Research paper thumbnail of A longitudinal, naturalistic inquiry of the adaptation experiences of the female expatriate spouse living in Turkey

Journal of Career …, Jan 1, 2007

Page 1. http://jcd.sagepub.com/ Journal of Career Development http://jcd.sagepub.com/ content/34/... more Page 1. http://jcd.sagepub.com/ Journal of Career Development http://jcd.sagepub.com/ content/34/1/28 The online version of this article can be found at: DOI: 10.1177/ 0894845307304064 2007 34: 28 Journal of Career Development ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Visible Side of the Hidden Curriculum in Schools (Okullardaki Örtük Programın Görünen Kısmı)

Research paper thumbnail of From school to society: Children and students as change agents of social change. Project activities implementation handbook

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a new statistics curriculum for graduate level students

Research paper thumbnail of From school to community: empowering students as active citizens in Turkish context

Research paper thumbnail of Philosophical basis of Turkish and American teachers' pedagogical beliefs and practices

Education-line Home Page. Philosophical Basis of Turkish and American Teachers' Pedagogical ... more Education-line Home Page. Philosophical Basis of Turkish and American Teachers' Pedagogical Beliefs and Practices. Cennet Engin Demir. Middle East Technical University. Paper presented at the European Conference on ...

Research paper thumbnail of Implementation of Life Sciences from the Perspectives of Students: Creative Drama as a Qualitative Data Collection Method

The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions of students on the implementation of life sci... more The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions of students on the implementation of
life sciences curriculum through using creative drama sessions. Eighty seven 2nd and 3rd grade students
from an elementary school in one of the districts of Ankara participated in the study. Data were collected
through employing four different creative drama methods: (a) letters, (b) drawings, (c) improvisations,
and (d) still images of students. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data collected in
drama sessions. The findings indicated that the teachers had a role of knowledge transmitter to a group of
passive students in life sciences classrooms. The most frequently used teaching methods were lecturing,
question-answer, and demonstration through using textbooks, workbooks, and white boards. In addition,
the most frequently used assessment methods were essay and oral exams, classroom observations, and
self-assessment. Besides, it emerged that students prefer group work and animation rather than typing.
The affluence and diversity of collected data in this study showed that as an art-based qualitative research
method, creative drama was a quite effective method in revealing intimate opinions of young children.

Research paper thumbnail of Quality of Education in Rural Schools: A Needs Assessment Study (Ankara-Kalecik Sample)

This study aims to examine the quality of education provided by elementary schools in Kalecik, a ... more This study aims to examine the quality of education provided by elementary schools in Kalecik, a rural district of Ankara, from the perspectives of administrators, teachers, and students. The participants of the study were 3 administrators, 33 teachers, and 212 students from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades chosen from 3- elementary school. Data related to school facilities, students’ family backgrounds and educational expectations, teacher characteristics, school climate and education quality, parent involvement, curriculum implementation and availability of technology, and instructional materials were collected by using questionnaires. Results indicated that both teachers and students are satisfied with the school’s physical conditions. Conversely, the number of teachers teaching outside their areas of license is quite high. Besides, lack of technology and lack of parental involvement were found to be factors that might have an effect on the quality of education. Moreover, teachers tend to encourage competition rather than cooperation among students.

Research paper thumbnail of A Review of Research on Educational Theories and Approaches Affecting Students Achievement: 1990-2011

The present study aims to analyze the contents of the current research on the theories and approa... more The present study aims to analyze the contents of the current research on the theories and approaches affecting student achievement in Turkish context. A total of 69 studies published in well-known Turkish journals in education were reviewed. The results of the study showed that the most frequently studied theories and approaches in Turkey in relation to student achievement/outcome were Multiple Intelligences theory, Technology-based theories and approaches, and Constructivism. The majority of reviewed studies used experimental design and found a significant mean difference in favor of experimental group. At the end of the study, the results were discussed and necessary implications and suggestions were made. Key Words: New trends in education, educational research, instructional approaches, student outcome. Policy makers and educators have long been seeking for ways of improving education and obtaining desirable student outcomes. Therefore, the issue of student achievement has become a high point , andit has long been studied by researchers in terms of various aspects. To illustrate, teacher thinking, teacher characteristics, teacher quality, teacher preparation, and professional development are someof the issues, the impacts of which on student outcome are investigated (Boyd et al.

Research paper thumbnail of Implementation of the New Eighth Grade English Language Curriculum from the Perspectives of Teachers and Students

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012

This study aimed to reveal the perceptions of teachers and students about the implementation of t... more This study aimed to reveal the perceptions of teachers and students about the implementation of the new 8th grade English language curriculum (NELC) and the challenges faced by them in the implementation process. The participants were 10 English language teachers and 73 8 th grade students of public primary schools in analyzed through content analysis. It was revealed that NELC was not implemented effectively due to the lack of necessary materials, crowded classes, insufficient class hours, lack of gradual implementation of the NELC, lack of guidance and support for teachers and Level Determination Exam.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors influencing the academic achievement of the Turkish urban poor

International Journal of Educational Development, 2009

This study estimates the individual and combined effects of selected family, student and school c... more This study estimates the individual and combined effects of selected family, student and school characteristics on the academic achievement of poor, urban primary-school students in the Turkish context. Participants of the study consisted of 719 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade primary-school students from 23 schools in inner and outer city squatter settlements. The findings indicated that the set of variables comprising student characteristics, including well-being at school, scholastic activities and support, explained the largest amount of variance in academic achievement among the urban poor. Although the effect sizes are small, family background characteristics and school quality indicators were also found to be significantly related to academic achievement. The implications of this study for improving primary schools in urban poor neighborhoods are discussed. ß

Research paper thumbnail of Turkey's educational policies in Central Asia and Caucasia: Perceptions of policy makers and experts

International Journal of Educational Development, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of A Study on ELT High School Teachers’ Practices to Foster Learner Autonomy

Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Civic Engagement among University Students: Case of a Turkish Public University

Article Info Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of certain background variables ... more Article Info Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of certain background variables (gender, attending student club, newspaper reading, home residence, level of mother education, and level of father education) on university students' level of civic engagement in university setting. The study also aimed to explore if there were any significant differences among the three dimensions of civic engagement: students' activism, exercising rights, and interest in politics. The study employed causal comparative design and the sample involved 1074 undergraduate students who were selected by stratified sampling from all faculties of a Turkish public university. The data were collected by a self-developed Civic Engagement Scale and analyzed by Two-Way MANOVA and One-Way Repeated ANOVA analyses. One-Way Repeated ANOVA results indicated that there was a significant difference between the mean scores of three dimensions of civic engagement. More specifically, the level of students' activism was significantly lower than the level of students' exercising their rights and the level of their interest in politics. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the level of students' exercising their rights and interest in politics. Moreover, Two-Way MANOVA results showed that all selected variables had a significant effect on the three dimensions of students' civic engagement. Bu çalışmanın amacı, çeşitli demografik değişkenlerin (cinsiyet, öğrenci kulüplerine katılım, gazete okuma, çocukluğun geçtiği yaşam yeri, anne eğitim düzeyi ve baba eğitim düzeyi) üniversite öğrencilerinin üniversite ortamındaki sivil katılım düzeyine etkisini incelemektir. Ayrıca bu çalışma, öğrencilerin (1) aktifliği, (2) haklarını kullanması ve (3) politikaya ilgileri olmak üzere sivil katılımın üç boyutu arasında anlamlı bir fark olup olmadığını ortaya çıkarmayı amaçlamaktadır. Nedensel karşılaştırma deseninde tasarlanan bu araştırmanın örneklemi Türkiye'deki bir devlet üniversitesinin tüm fakültelerinden tabakalı örnekleme yoluyla seçilmiş olan 1074 lisans öğrencisinden oluşmaktadır. Sivil Katılım Ölçeği ile toplanan veriler iki yönlü çok değişkenli varyans analizi ve tek yönlü tekrarlı ölçümler varyans analizi ile analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre sivil katılım ölçeğinin üç boyutu arasında ortalama puanları açısından anlamlı bir farklılık olduğu görülmüştür. Öğrencilerin aktiflik ortalama puanının, haklarını kullanma ve politikaya ilgi ortalama puanlarından anlamlı bir şekilde daha düşük olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Diğer taraftan, öğrencilerin haklarını kullanma ve politikaya ilgi duyma ortalama puanları arasında anlamlı bir farklılık olmadığı ortaya çıkmıştır. Son olarak, sivil katılımın üç boyutu üzerinde tüm demografik değişkenlerin anlamlı bir etkisinin olduğu görülmüştür.

Research paper thumbnail of who are the future teachers? characteristics of entering student teachers

Research paper thumbnail of Who are the future teachers in Turkey? Characteristics of entering student teachers

International Journal of …, Jan 1, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Does Fulbright Make a Difference? The Turkish Perspective

Journal of Studies in International …, Jan 1, 2000

ABSTRACT This article reports on the findings of a research project carried out by a team of facu... more ABSTRACT This article reports on the findings of a research project carried out by a team of faculties at the Middle East Technical University and the Fulbright Education Committee in Turkey. The project aimed to investigate the Fulbright program's professional, personal, and social impacts and its effectiveness from the perspectives of Turkish scholars. Data were collected by mail from 277 Fulbright scholars living in various regions of Turkey. All of the scholars agreed that their Fulbright experience in the United States had had positive effects on their professional, social, and personal lives. Scholars were especially satisfied with the effect on their personal lives. For example, the Fulbright experience broadened their world viewpoint in a flexible and international setting. These results suggest that Fulbright scholars contribute to the development of the country, because many of them hold high-ranking positions that allow them to develop and implement policies in different sectors. For the development of the Fulbright program, it is recommended that continuous follow-up studies be conducted to identify its strengths and weaknesses.

Research paper thumbnail of Metaphors as a reflection of middle school students' perceptions of school: A cross-cultural analysis

Educational Research and Evaluation, Jan 1, 2007

IngentaConnect. ...

Research paper thumbnail of A repeated measures investigation of the first-year adaptation experiences of the female expatriate spouse living in Turkey

Journal of Career …, Jan 1, 2007

... Cennet Engin Demir Zeynep Hatipoglu Sümer Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Sh... more ... Cennet Engin Demir Zeynep Hatipoglu Sümer Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Sharrie Danielson Trinity Christian School Shelly DeVries Istanbul ... intent to stay on the assignment has been clearly established (Black & Stephens, 1989; Caligiuri, Hyland, Joshi, & ...

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges of primary education in Turkey: Priorities of parents and professionals

International Journal of Educational Development, Jan 1, 2006

This article investigates the major issues and problems of Turkish society that may have an impac... more This article investigates the major issues and problems of Turkish society that may have an impact on people's daily lives, and the characteristics required of primary school graduates as citizens in response to those issues and problems from the perspectives of parents and educational professionals. Data was collected from 407 parents and 389 professionals using three questionnaires developed by the researchers. Results indicated that priority challenges of primary education were considered to relate to peace, the environment, human rights, democracy, justice and equality. Additionally, primary school graduates were said to require critical thinking, problem solving, language and life skills, as well as openmindedness, expressiveness, peacefulness, flexibility and sensitivity towards environmental issues. r

Research paper thumbnail of A longitudinal, naturalistic inquiry of the adaptation experiences of the female expatriate spouse living in Turkey

Journal of Career …, Jan 1, 2007

Page 1. http://jcd.sagepub.com/ Journal of Career Development http://jcd.sagepub.com/ content/34/... more Page 1. http://jcd.sagepub.com/ Journal of Career Development http://jcd.sagepub.com/ content/34/1/28 The online version of this article can be found at: DOI: 10.1177/ 0894845307304064 2007 34: 28 Journal of Career Development ...