Nergis Uyan Akbay

BIO

Nergis Uyan Akbay graduated from METU Foreign Language Education Department and received her Master’s degree from Bilkent University on Management in Education. She completed Cambridge University DTEFLA and Bilkent University ADEM (Advanced Diploma in English Language Teaching Management). She worked in several positions at Bilkent University School of English Language (BUSEL) including English Language Instructor, Head of Teaching Unit, Teacher Development Coordinator, Teacher Trainer and Member of BUSEL Directorate (September’1995-February’2010). She has been working as the director of the Ozyegin University School of Languages (ScOLa) since February 2010.

ABSTRACT

Progressing From “Teacher Development” to “Developing Teacher”

How do we define teacher development? Is development a linear path or is it more complex and subtle? Is there more to it than just structuring a solo programme for all teachers to follow and expand from? Although the answers to these questions might vary from one to the other, there is a general agreement in the teaching profession that it requires “development”, “how” this should or can really take place remains a question.

Isn’t it ironic that the “post-method era” offers differentiated instruction and an individualized approach for effective learning, but teacher education and development- still adheres to a one-size-fits-all philosophy? It is high time that in light of the changes made in the field of education, “teacher development” be defined in terms of a more distinct, flexible and comprehensive approach.