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

1. Projectdescription • The main approach of the National Team of Bologna Process 2009-2011 Project is • to focus on the issues and activities regarding National Qualifications Framework, • implementation of ECTS at Turkish higher education institutions (HEIs), • recognition of Prior Learning, • employability and • full 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. • Targetgroups • In 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 • Impact • The project hasmajor impact on the widespread implementation of NQF at HEIs in Turkeyand 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. IMPLEMENTATION OF BOLOGNA PROCESS IN TURKEY, 2009 -2011National Team of Bologna Experts in Turkey Previous Projects and their Results Implementation of the Bologna Process in Turkey: 16 July 2004 – 31 June 2005 Implementation of the Bologna Process in Turkey: 1 July 2005 – 31 December 2006 Promotion of Bologna Process in Turkey: May 1, 2007- April 30, 2008 Promotion of Bologna Process in Turkey: June 30, 2008 – July 1, 2009 During theseprevious 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 • - AkdenizUniversity, May 14, 2010, Students • Three Meetings on Qualifications of Broad Field in Higher Education Council Building in Ankara, March 15, April 19 andJune 14, 2010 Summary of Evaluation Results of the Activities Almost 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. • Conclusion Remarks • The activities indicated in the projectare being implemented. Some of the reflections from participants to activities are given in evaluation results. • One advantageous feature of Turkey’s Higher Education System is having Higher Education Council to organize and coordinate Bologna Process in Turkey • Because of the newly established universities, more local activities are necessary to increase the awareness of Bologna Process in these institutions. • It is very well observed that Bologna Process in HEI in Turkey created an excited environment to improve the quality of Education • 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. • High student and staff mobility in Turkey contributes toa better environment for implementing Bologna Process.