What is the groundwork of education system either teaching or learning? Nowadays, lots of experts debate on this compelling question. The traditional education system has been inquiring for decades in Turkey. In consideration of Turkey is the typical sample for teaching-based method Turkey’s mechanical system is criticized intensively. When we consider total proceeds of teaching- based method, we are encountering below average achievements in Turkey. Educational system in Turkey based on mechanistic approach hence teachers focus on efficiency and they only appreciate for exam results, test scores and individual performance. Probably, the most obvious clue for mechanistic approach is centralized placement examination for entering university. According to this exam you have to answer to questions directly related to text books, you have to memorize lots of formulas, you have to obey too rigid curriculum. After all nobody expects creativity, open discussion and originality for academic success. However, Turkey’s perception of education shifts from the traditional towards the new culture of learning. Progressive and contemporary circumstances of twenty-first century’s requirements are technology integration, exploration, participation, questioning and lifelong learning for these reasons Turkey should abandon a traditional system as soon as possible.
When we compare a traditional and new culture of learning system, we notice two contrary educational patterns. A traditional system defines as teaching- based method. For this method, the most significant point is efficiency therefore we may describe that method as a mechanic approach. Machines are designed to provide maximum efficiency thus teacher’s expectations from students are to learn as quickly as they can, as much as they can. Additionally, students must prove that they have received the information which is transferred from teacher to them. At this point, Thomas and Brown emphasize “In this teaching-based approach, standardization is a reasonable way to do this, and testing is reasonable way to measure the result” (121). Actually, traditional method creates standard, ordinary individuals and the best way to prove student’s proficiency is to measure the efficiency. On the other hand, the new culture of learning does not consider ultimate goals because the most crucial matter is learning process. During this process students ask questions, discover the new areas, think critically, organize different ideas and to integrate information into daily life. Furthermore, environment of learning- based culture provides different kinds of boundaries. Similarly, Thomas and Brown point out “Here, boundaries serve not only as constraints but also, oftentimes, as catalysts for innovation” (121). Boundaries are strict part of teaching- based approach and they shape student’s involvement. On the contrary, boundaries activate imagination and creativity because “the culture emerges from the environment and grows...