LIBERAL ARTS COURSES IN TEACHER EDUCATION

Liberal arts courses (LACs) have been introduced in education faculties for high quality teacher education. This study aims to examine the views of education faculty lecturers, graduates and senior year students about the place and implementation of LACs in teacher education. The study group of the qualitative study includes lecturers (17), senior year students (21) and graduates (19) who volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. One-to-one interviews were held with lecturers and graduates, and 30-45 minute focus group interviews were held with groups of 3 to 5 senior year students. Data analysis involved the formation of a list of codes. Related codes were gathered together for thematic coding. The following themes emerged from LAC-related lecturer and student comments: General perceptions, contents, implementation, lecturer quality, measurement and evaluation in LACs, recommendations and desired LACs. The study ends with recommendations for teacher education.