Evaluation of english as a foreign language program in Turkey

In this curriculum evaluation study, it is aimed to evaluate the EFL program offered at a state university in central Turkey in terms of the four fundamental aspects: aims and objectives, course content and materials, course conduct and student assessment and outcomes by using a modified version of Bellon and Handler’s (1982) evaluation model. The need for such a study was derived from the large number of students failing the English proficiency exam after finishing the program. Accordingly, the research aimed to evaluate the program to detemine the areas that need improvement. With this aim, the following research questions were sought throughout the evaluation study: 1. What is the current status of the fundemental level program in terms of its four fundamental aspects: aims and objectives, course content and materials, course conduct, student assessment and outcomes? 2. How do the instructors and the students evaluate the program in terms of these four fundamental aspects? 3. What can be done to improve and strengthen the program in terms of these four fundamental aspects? It is expected that the results of the research will lead to improvements in the program and the learning gains of the students attending the program. Another significant aspect of this study is that it will contribute to the literature on EFL program evaluation in Turkey. The research will provide a model for other EFL programs at higher education institutions who would be interested in subsequent research on curriculum evaluation using Bellon and Handler’s model