IMPLEMENTATION OF BOLOGNA PROCESS IN TURKEY, 2009 -2011National Team of Bologna Experts in Turkey

Project descriptionThe main approach of the National Team of Bologna Process 2009-2011 Project isto focus on the issues and activities regarding National Qualifications Framework,implementation of ECTS at Turkish higher education institutions (HEIs), recognition of Prior Learning,employability andfull implementation of Bologna Process for the newly established HEIs.

The level of implementation of the Bologna Process at Turkish HEIs varies due to many newly established HEIs during the last two years. To counteract this, regional seminars, workshops and study visits are being organized targeting full implementation of the Bologna Process actions at these HEIs.

Target groupsIn order to realize the main aims of the Bologna Project in Turkey, various organizations are to be involved in the Project as stakeholder. •HEIs, relevant Ministries and governmental bodies•Vocational Qualifications Authority, •Social partners and relevant Stakeholders

ImpactThe project has major impact on the widespread implementation of NQF at HEIs in Turkey and this initiates for various sectors and programs to draw up with their QF as well.

Although significant progress has been achieved towards realizing the objectives of the Bologna Process, it is obvious that certain action lines of the Bologna Process remain relatively weak in Turkey. We are certainly being focus on them for further improvements such as;•implications of lifelong learning and •prior learning and employability.

Previous Projects and their ResultsImplementation of the Bologna Process in Turkey: 16 July 2004 – 31 June 2005Implementation of the Bologna Process in Turkey: 1 July 2005 – 31 December 2006 Promotion of Bologna Process in Turkey: May 1, 2007- April 30, 2008Promotion of Bologna Process in Turkey: June 30, 2008 – July 1, 2009

During these previous phases of the Project, “Bologna Coordination Commissions” (BEK) were established in every university to implement Bologna Process in HEIs. The reports of BEK are being improved and utilized in order to have better policies to implement Bologna Process in the Universities.

Activities Conducted so far:Thematic Workshops / Seminars / Reg. Meetings:• Workshops at newly established HEIs - Nevşehir Üniversitesi, October 1-2, 2009 - S. Demirel Universitesi, 12-13 November, 2010 - Samsun 19 May University, April 15-16, 2010 - Namik Kemal University, May 28, 2010

• Workshops on NQF: - Gaziantep University, Nov. 5-6, 2009, Erasmus - Ege & Yasar Universities, April 8-9, 2010, Erasmus

• Coordination Meetings - Higher Education Council, August 24, 2009 - Istanbul Technical University, Sept. 9, 2009 - H. Education Council, January 15, 2010, HEQF - Ondokuz Mayis University, April 15, 2010

National Conference:•Conference on the progress of implementing QF - Marmara University, October 22-23, 2009, NQF - İstanbul University, December 4, 2009, BEK - M. Kemal University, January 22, 2010, NQF - Hacettepe University, February 12, 2010, NQF - Anatolia University, March 19, 2010, BEK - Akdeniz University, May 14, 2010, Students

•Three Meetings on Qualifications of Broad Field in Higher Education Council Building in Ankara, March 15, April 19 and June 14, 2010

Conclusion Remarks1.The activities indicated in the project are being implemented. Some of the reflections from participants to activities are given in evaluation results. 2.One advantageous feature of Turkey’s Higher Education System is having Higher Education Council to organize and coordinate Bologna Process in Turkey3.Because of the newly established universities, more local activities are necessary to increase the awareness of Bologna Process in these institutions.4.It is very well observed that Bologna Process in HEI in Turkey created an excited environment to improve the quality of Education5.There exists obstacles for Bologna Process. Important ones are resistance because of habits, lack of infrastructure in newly established universities, unwillingness of administrations and workload of faculty members.6.High student and staff mobility in Turkey contributes to a better environment for implementing Bologna Process.

Summary of Evaluation Results of the ActivitiesAlmost in all activities we try to have feedback from participants through evaluating the meeting in terms of contribution of the meetings to implement the Bologna Process in HEIs in Turkey. This survey was conducted with 420 participants in different activities. The results are given below.

Shortcomings Frequency

Repeated and theorical information 62

Few examples of good practices 48

Crowded and short meetings 35

Absence of reading material before meetings 30

The same presentation for all type of universities 20

Timing problem in the presentations 15

Few participants of shareholders 12

Lack of ability in presentation and communication 10

Better places could be chosen for the meetings 10

Not having enough time for discussion section 8

Obstacles Frequency

Resistance to change and old habits 78

Lack of infrastructure and financial means 62

Unwillingness of administration 39

Workload of faculty members 36

Lack of awareness on Bologna Process 29

Not comprehending necessity of the Process 25

The Process is not being taken seriously 23

Incompetency in foreign languages 23

Lack of communication 10

Lack of motivation 15

Lack of supervision 12

Lack of Web based system 10

Suggestions Frequency

Practices in workshops should be more explicit 32

Workshops must be conducted more often for small groups 22

Reading material needs to be provided before meetings 18

The activities could not be squeezed into one day 18

Separate meetings for newly established universities 15

Example of good practices should be promoted 13

Top administrators must be encouraged to participate 12

Contribution of the Process needs to be well explained 10

The Process needs to be discussed in virtual environment 10

Timing in presentations and sessions needs to be obeyed 8

Number of local visits to universities should be increased 6

The sessions must be more interactive 4