An evaluation of teaching methods and materials used in geography teaching in Turkish Higher Education regarding a number of variables

Abstract

This study has focused on the status of geography teaching in Turkish Higher Education. In this manner, the aim of the study is to stipulate teaching methods and materials being used by academics and to evaluate the factors effecting the choice of these methods and materials. The scope of study included 23 departments, 16 of which were geography and 7 of which were geography teaching departments from 21 universities in Turkey. Surveys have been applied both for students and the academic staff based on surveying model in the study. Sampling had consisted of 957 students and 120 academic staff. Data and various variables (university, faculty, title, expertise area, occupational teaching experience, and class) have been analyzed by different statistical methods. Findings showed that academic staff used lecturing methods with high frequency, which was followed by the methods of field work applications. Moreover, it was also seen that visual and technology aided material use had high frequencies in terms of material usage. Significant differences were also seen in the comparison of views of students and academic staff. In addition, factors that influenced the academic staff’s selection of methods and materials were the course objectives and subject characteristics.