Evaluation of A1 level program at an English preparatory school in a Turkish university: a case study

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of stakeholders namely, students, EFL instructors, level coordinator and program administrator enrolled in an English Preparatory School in relation to their perceptions of the A1 (beginner level) program designed for repeat students at a foundation (non-profit, private) university in Istanbul, Turkey. A sample of 47 students repeating A1 level program, 5 EFL instructors, 1 level coordinator and 1 program administrator participated in the study. The quantitative data were collected through a needs analysis questionnaire administered to the participating students while the qualitative data were obtained by semi-structured interviews carried out with all stakeholders of the program. The findings of the study revealed that although the program is perceived to be effective in general, there are particular components that need to be revised and emphasized. In the light of these findings, certain curricular recommendations are made to be taken for consideration in the following academic years. Keywords: EFL, program evaluation, case study, preparatory school