Evaluation of an English preparatory program at a Turkish foundation university

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aims to evaluate the English Preparatory Program (EPP) offered at the Department ofForeign Languages (DFL) at an English-medium foundation university in Turkey during 2017-18 academic yearto discover the strengths and weaknesses of the program. Participants of the study were 241 students and 26teachers. The data were collected from the “Program Evaluation Survey” designed by the researchers and focusgroup meetings with students and teachers. The results revealed that the strengths of the EPP included homeworkassignments, exams and the program while the extracurricular activities and online programs were found to be themain weaknesses of the EPP. It was also found that student and teacher perceptions of the EPP showed statisticallysignificant difference. Finally, students and teachers suggested some improvements in terms of the pacing of theprogram, course books and supplementary booklets, number of the portfolio assignments and the picturedescription part in the Speaking Exam. It is hoped that the findings of the study will contribute to the improvementof the existing program and lead to better learning opportunities for students in the coming years