An analysis of Dumlupınar University foreign languages department optional English preparatory program according to students' and instructors' views

This study is designed to analyze the optional preparatory English program at Dumlupınar University Foreign Languages Department according to students? and instructors? points of view. The participants of the research are 109 students attending Dumlupınar University optional English preparatory program in 2010-2011 academic year and all of the instructors who taught those students in preparatory classes.In this research, qualitative approach is applied since students? and instructors? views were needed to be determined and analyzed in detail. The research data were gathered through an open-ended questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Through open-ended questionnaire, 12 questions were asked to students to determine their views on optional English preparatory program. Then, a semi-structured interview was designed in the light of those data gathered from open-ended questionnaire and held with 12 instructors teaching in the program. Descriptive analysis method was used in data analysis of this research and all the data were analyzed manually.The findings of the study revealed that students joined the Optional English Preparatory Program mostly with the purpose of career development, taking some departmental courses in English and making personal development by improving their knowledge and understanding of English language. It has also been found that students? expectations from the optional English preparatory program and their purpose of attendance show similarities and it can be said that the program satisfies those expectations. Moreover, students claimed some issues that visual materials used during the lessons and activities based on the practical use of language in the program were not enough, too many hours were spent on lectures, the lessons were taught without giving any break between the lessons and the number of exams. Most of the students stated that the program has some points to be improved. Among these, having limited chance of implementing the four skills practically, inadequate physical environment of the department, the program?s being optional and forming classes with mixed level classes could be given as examples to the improvable aspects of the program.Based on the findings of instructor interviews, it is commonly agreed that students attend to the program with the aims of personal and professional development and learning English in a certain level so that they can achieve better results in English taught courses in their departments. It?s also concluded that the program mainly satisfies students? expectations. It is determined that instructors use many techniques based on the subject matters and level of students in their instructions. Instructors noted that they mostly prefer using printed, visual and audio materials. On the other hand, about the program?s being optional, it?s been found out that it can impact the quality of education in terms of motivation, attendance and participation and academic achievement of the students. These factors are thought to vary from student to student and also it can differ based on class dynamics and student-instructor interaction. Besides, not having a testing and material development offices, inadequate number of instructors and also heavy schedules of instructors, not placing students into classes according to their levels, inappropriate distribution of courses, disadvantages of evening classes and inadequate physical conditions of the department are the main areas of concerns based on instructors? views. Lastly, instructors proposed on four issues for program development which are related with management, curriculum, courses and physical appearance of the department.Key Words: Curriculum, foreign language education, optional English preparatory education.