The Investigation of the Competences of English Language Teachers Working in Amasya Province via Self-Assessment

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to determine the opinions on teaching competencies of English language teachers working in Amasya province  based on self-assessment and observe their teaching competency via EPOSTL Portfolio study scale approved by the Council of Europe. This study incorporates 70 English language teachers working at primary, secondary and high school levels in Amasya province. For data collection instrument, 195-item descriptors, which are self-assessment part of European Portfolio for Teachers of Languages consisting of three sections, provide basis for this research. As a method of this study, both qualitative and quantitative research methods are used together and voluntary participation of English teachers is guaranteed.  The self-assessment section of the EPOSTL scale is adapted into 5 point likert-type format coded as ''weak'', ''adequate'', ''good'', ''excellent'', ''no idea'' and 7 different section of descriptors labeled as Context, Methodology, Resources, Lesson Planning, Conducting a Lesson, Independent Learning, Self-Assessment are within the scope of the research to  investigate English teachers’ self-assessment states. In order to support and exemplify the gathered quantitative data, voluntary teachers’ explaining of determinative or example practices  and voice recordings of the answers given to interview questions were realized. . By this way, portfolio study applied to the student teachers of languages by the Council of Europe have found existence as a scale study for teachers working in Amasya province through in-service education  and unearthed the teachers' needs to be developed during their undergraduate education and education training processes. In addition, when the scope and content of the EPOSTL scale is considered, it is seen that English teachers need an evaluation specifically designed for their specialties  and this evaluation brings about positive reflections on their professional lives. In the light of this study, it is suggested that the EPOSTL scale applied to English teachers working in Amasya province be applied to English teachers working in other cities in terms of constituting more extended sample group and by reviewing lesson content of educational faculties within the scope of this scale, educational process can reach to a more productive and international level.