Reimagining Teaching and Learning Centers: A Mixed-Methods Study of Practices in Turkish Higher Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 1:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Institutional Responsibilities for Teaching, Learning, and Community Engagement

Abstract

While prior research on Teaching and Learning Centers (TLCs) has focused on impact assessments, model development, or institution-specific functions, this study critically examines their evolving roles and practices within Turkish higher education. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, we first analyzed the institutional profiles, human resources, founding missions, and academic outcomes of 20 TLCs through university web pages. Subsequent interviews with six TLC personnel revealed tensions between stated missions, staff perceptions, and operational realities—highlighting systemic misalignments that hinder transformative change. Findings offer actionable insights for university leaders, faculty developers, and policymakers seeking to align TLC structures with future-oriented goals of sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration in higher education.

Authors

• Bengi Birgili Karabulut, MEF University

• Ömer Demir, Hakkari University