A COMPARISON:

THE TURKISH & FINNISH TEACHER TRAINING SYSTEMS

Middle East Technical University

Foreign Language Education

 Introduction
 Differences
 Conclusion
 References

INTRODUCTION

We chose this topic in order to see the results of the differences in teacher training systems of
both countries.To develop ideas,we participated in a seminar about Finland’s Education
System and learned a lot about it there.In the upcoming parts,we will have gained adequate
information about the systems of both countries.

DIFFERENCES

How teachers are educated ?

In terms of both countries’ teacher training sytems,we can see that Finland has more practice
opportunities for their student teachers.In this aspect,Turkey follows a more theoric approach
towards this.While Finland has 3+2 years of training,Turkey has only 4 years and there is no
extra compulsory specialization in the field.Students who are enthusiastic about teaching are
chosen to be educated in the field and that’s why students hold on more

How teachers are chosen after graduation?

Curriculum

There are principles behind Finnsh TTS,and these are autonomy,responsibility and trust.They
are approaching to teacher education as a field which is research-based.Moreover,they put
stress on the integration of theory and practice.According to them,these should work together
in order to create the skilled and efficient teachers for future generations.When it comes to the
Turkish curriculum,it also seems to be research based when the courses offered for faculties
of education is scrutinized.Not much practice is done in general,except for the compulsory
internship in the last years of university.

What student teachers think about both systems?

When the answers given by both Finnish & Turkish student teachers,it can be understood that
both sides think that there is something missing in their systems.Turkish student teachers
claim that Finnish TTS is perfect and best in the World in terms of quality and they believe
that becoming a teacher is prestigious and difficult in Finland.They respect the job in there,but
not in Turkey.Finnish student teachers claim that their system is excessively research-based
and they say that they need more practice even though they practice ever year in their
training.Turkish students also don’t see the internship at the last years of the training
enough.As a result,it can be concluded that as long as there is not enough practice and
experience,student teachers are not satisfied with the education they get.