Distance English Language Teaching(DELT)Programme: A New Model for Turkey

Abstract

This paper aims at introducing a new interactive distance education application model in English Teacher Education. There is an ever-increasing demand for English teaching and learning activities in Turkey, with the implementation of new eight-year compulsory primary education in 1998. Eight Yearly Development Plan (1999-2006) estimates the English teacher need of Turkey as approximately 60,000. In order to meet this demand Turkish Ministry of National Education (MNE) and Eskisehir Anadolu University signed a protocol in February 2000. Anadolu University is authorized to initiate a four-year Distance English Language Teacher Education Program. The program has accepted first group of students (2500) this academic year (2000-2001) according to the results of the University Entrance (ÖSS)- Foreign Language (English)Exam.