Department of Classroom Education

I am Azra MAÇÇA. I have been studying at the Department of Classroom Teaching at Balıkesir University, Necatibey Faculty of Education, for 2 years. Classroom teaching at Balıkesir University is one of the 4-year undergraduate programs offered within the Necatibey Faculty of Education. In this department, the aim is to train classroom teachers who are dedicated, disciplined, respectful, understanding, and capable of adapting to the era and methods, which contributes to both their future professional careers and student lives. In our faculty, courses are offered in general culture, professional knowledge, and subject knowledge. The subject knowledge courses in our department include: Turkish teaching, mathematics teaching, social studies teaching, science teaching (both laboratory and instructional aspects), drama teaching, and play teaching. Our faculty has physics, chemistry, biology, and science laboratories. As classroom teachers, we also use the science laboratories. These laboratories are equipped with experiment materials and have the necessary facilities for use. We can conduct both fun and educational courses there. We have a drama hall where necessary workshop activities, warm-ups, and evaluation activities required by drama can be carried out, and it is possible to teach courses using appropriate methods. In the Classroom Teaching Department, internships are conducted in the 4th year, both in the fall and spring semesters, for 12 weeks each. In the fall semester, the internships start with classroom observations in schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education (MEB) in the city, and then proceed with practical teaching. In the spring semester, we conduct these internships in villages near cities. It is not mandatory for them to take place in villages, but it is something available in our faculty. Since the first assignments for class teachers are usually in villages, it allows us to experience rural life and gain experience in rural schools. This is a significant advantage for us. Additionally, surveys serve as assessment tools. We administer these surveys to both teacher candidates and the teachers involved in the internship, as well as the academic instructors supervising the internship. Through these surveys, we aim to identify any problems that may arise during the process, find solutions, and rectify any mistakes if necessary. Based on the survey results, meetings with the Ministry of National Education can be arranged to address and resolve the issues.
After receiving a degree in primary school teaching, we can work in both private and public schools. To work in public schools, it is necessary to obtain sufficient scores in specific exams. Apart from that, we can provide education in private institutions such as private tutoring centers or private courses. When I realized that I loved the teaching profession, I chose this field. In my early years, I was inclined towards different professions, but when I discovered my passion for teaching, I decided that I could become a teacher. I thought about becoming a primary school teacher. Do I love children? Can I relate to their level? Can I establish good communication with them? Can I provide them with pedagogical gains? When I answered these questions positively, I decided to pursue a degree in primary school teaching and came here. I chose Balıkesir University because it houses the Necatibey Faculty of Education. The Necatibey Faculty of Education is a prestigious institution with a competent academic staff. I had previously researched the advantages of studying in this school, and I also had teachers who studied here. My teachers always gave me positive feedback about this place, and that's why I decided to study here. Primary school teaching programs generally provide academic staff and physical facilities from universities. Our university and faculty have great teachers amongst their ranks. Classroom teachers receiving the necessary feedback from here will provide them with positive outcomes both in their student life and in their future professional careers. Our faculty provides the necessary physical facilities, and classroom teachers can use them as they wish. There is a spacious garden, a drama hall, a materials room, and laboratories available. Utilizing these spaces has always facilitated the implementation of play-based or instructional lessons for classroom teachers. Upon graduating from the program, I aspire to be assigned to a rural school and immediately start my teaching career. Necatibey Faculty of Education, with its well-equipped infrastructure, is an ideal choice for the Department of Classroom Teaching and other teaching departments. I chose it with confidence, considering that Balıkesir University encompasses such a faculty. I recommend others to make their choice with the same assurance. However, I cannot say the same for the department itself. To choose this program, they first need to ask themselves if they genuinely love children and if they can establish good communication with them. If they can comfortably answer these questions, they can opt for this program. Because as they delve into this field, they will develop a love for it, but feeling positive about it beforehand will make them happier. After all, when our topic revolves around children and doing something for them, we should act with their best interests in mind. I wish success to those who will take the university entrance exam. We await you at Balıkesir University.