An evaluation of the problems encountered in foreign language teaching at high schools based on teachers' perspectives: The case of Efeler district, Aydın province

This study aims to identify the fundamental challenges faced by foreign language teachers in the foreign language teaching process in Efeler district of Aydın province, explore possible solutions, and propose strategies for improving language education. The study employs a qualitative research design based on the case study model. The study group consists of 30 foreign language teachers working in public high schools in Efeler district, Aydın province, during the 2024-2025 academic year. The participants were selected using the convenience sampling method. Among the participants, 16 are male, 14 are female, and all have more than five years of teaching experience. A semi-structured interview form was used as the data collection tool, and individual interviews were conducted to obtain in-depth insights from teachers' experiences. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis, and findings were categorized under thematic headings. According to the findings, teachers face various challenges, including an exam-oriented curriculum, ineffective teaching methods, lack of student motivation, insufficient lesson hours, material shortages, inadequate school infrastructure for language teaching, and limited opportunities for professional development. The most common student-related challenges include low motivation for language learning, lack of vocabulary knowledge, hesitancy in practicing speaking, and differences in language proficiency levels. The solutions proposed by teachers emphasize adopting more skill-based and practical teaching methods, expanding language laboratories, addressing material shortages, restructuring the curriculum to be more communication-oriented, and designing lesson programs tailored to students' proficiency levels. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of supporting teachers' professional development and increasing parental involvement in the language learning process. The study presents practical recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of foreign language education. Keywords: Foreign language teaching, teacher perspectives, language education strategies.