Evaluation of an in-service training program on "Armenian claims" according to Eisner's educational expertise/criticism model

Abstract

Teachers’ participation in activities that will positively affect their professional development is of critical importance in terms of educational processes and the improvement of teacher quality. In-service education programs have important roles in increasing both the efficiency of educational processes and teacher quality. This study aims to evaluate the topic of “Armenian claims” included in the Information Seminar In-Service Education Program for Department head teachers of History and Social Studies Teachers organized by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, Board of Education and Discipline on November 11-13, 2022. The population of the study consisted of 81 history and 81 social studies department head teachers from the 81 provinces of Türkiye for a total of 162 department head teachers. The sample of the study consisted of 52 history and social studies department head teachers selected with the criterion sampling method. Eisner’s educational expertise and criticism model was used in the analysis and the study was designed as qualitative research. A semi-structured interview form about Armenian claims was administered to selected history and social sciences department head teachers after they participated in the in-service education program. The data obtained were subjected to content analysis using the MAXQDA 2022 package program and were then evaluated thematically. After the in-service education program, the history and social studies department head teachers stated that their level of knowledge about the Armenian claims increased, they had learned new and surprising information, and they would make changes to their lectures. The participants expressed positive opinions about the efficiency of the in-service program. In-service education activities provide history and social studies teachers with opportunities to further their professional development. This research shows the positive changes in both knowledge levels and course teaching on Armenian claims among the participants after an in-service education program.