DERSDEM BIREBIR: An Evaluation of a Service-Learning Project for Preservice Educators

• In Event: Multidimensionality of Service-Learning in Pre- and In-Service Teaching

Abstract

Although teacher education in Turkey has advanced, service-learning is yet to be integrated fully and accurately into undergraduate curricula. This study presents an initial evaluation of DERSDEM BIREBIR (one-to-one tutoring) by exploring Turkish preservice educators’ service-learning experiences in their freshman year. Specifically, it investigates the impacts of tutoring younger students on preservice educators’ development. To examine the hypothesis that DERSDEM BIREBIR leads to professional and social development, data extracted from preservice educators’ written or recorded reflections were analyzed through grounded theory. The findings revealed that the preservice educators were able to develop professionally, socially, culturally, and to experience a sense of satisfaction. It is hoped that this study will stimulate change in teacher education programs by inspiring teacher educators.

Author

• Seza Öktem, MEF University