Evaluation of ÖZGE METİN ASLAN, Ph.D. for the Best Researcher Award
Strengths for the Award
1. Extensive Research Background
- Publication Record: Dr. Aslan has an extensive list of publications, including journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters. Her research covers a wide range of topics within early childhood education, such as play behavior, social withdrawal, and teacher-child relationships.
- Impact and Recognition: With a Google Scholar H-Index of 12 and 460 citations, Dr. Aslan’s work is well-regarded in her field. Her research contributions are recognized internationally, as evidenced by her numerous awards and grants.
2. Awards and Grants
- Diverse Grants and Scholarships: Dr. Aslan has received various prestigious awards and grants, such as the International Play Association’s Child’s Right to Play Advocacy Award and TUBITAK scholarships. These accolades highlight her impactful contributions and the recognition of her research by the global academic community.
3. Professional Experience
- International Exposure: Her experience includes research positions and teaching roles at reputable institutions like the University of Minnesota and the University of Maryland. This international exposure enriches her perspective and enhances the quality of her research.
- Project Coordination: Dr. Aslan has successfully managed and coordinated significant projects, such as “Hey, my Friend I am here, see me” and “Play For Planet,” demonstrating her leadership and project management skills.
4. Teaching and Mentoring
- Comprehensive Teaching Experience: Her teaching portfolio includes a broad range of undergraduate and graduate courses related to early childhood education. This extensive teaching experience indicates her deep understanding and ability to convey complex concepts to students.
- Graduate Student Advising: Dr. Aslan has advised several graduate students, contributing to the development of the next generation of researchers and educators in her field.
Areas for Improvement
1. Research Output Metrics
- H-Index Discrepancy: There is a notable discrepancy between her Web of Science H-Index (4) and Google Scholar H-Index (12). This suggests a need for greater visibility and citation of her work in more high-impact journals or databases to align her research impact metrics.
2. Publication Venues
- Journal Impact: Some of her publications are in journals with lower impact factors. Increasing the number of publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals could further bolster her research profile.
3. Research Collaboration
- Interdisciplinary Work: While Dr. Aslan’s research is robust within early childhood education, there may be opportunities to collaborate more widely across disciplines, potentially enriching her research scope and impact.
Short Biography
Özge Metin Aslan, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Primary Education at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, specializing in Early Childhood Education. Her work focuses on play, social behavior, and peer relationships in preschool settings. Dr. Aslan has a robust academic background and extensive teaching and research experience, having held positions at esteemed institutions such as the University of Minnesota and the University of Maryland. Her international and interdisciplinary approach has made significant contributions to the field of early childhood education.
Profile
ORCID
Education
Dr. Özge Metin Aslan earned her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from Hacettepe University, Turkey, from 2009 to 2013, with a GPA of 3.94/4.00. Her doctoral thesis analyzed preschool children’s bullying and play behaviors. She completed her M.S. in Early Childhood Education at the same institution between 2006 and 2009, with a GPA of 3.22/4.00, focusing on kinetic family drawings among children. Her academic journey began with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Hacettepe University, where she graduated in 2005 with a GPA of 3.57/4.00.
Experience
Dr. Aslan has accumulated a wealth of experience in academia and research. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, focusing on early childhood education. She has also held roles at the University of Minnesota as a Research Scholar and Volunteer Teacher, and at the University of Maryland as a Post-Doctoral Research Scholar. Her past roles include adjunct lecturer positions and research assistant roles, contributing significantly to various studies and educational programs.
Research Interests
Dr. Aslan’s research interests encompass child development, particularly in areas like play, social withdrawal, peer relationships, and the impact of theory of mind on social adjustment in preschoolers. She is also invested in early childhood education methodologies, including emergent and nature-based curriculums, and the development of social-emotional learning programs.
Awards
Dr. Aslan has received numerous accolades, including the International Play Association’s Child’s Right to Play Advocacy Award in 2024, and multiple scholarships for conferences and research from organizations such as the Children & Nature Network and TUBITAK. Her work has been recognized for its contribution to sustainability in early childhood education and innovative play-based learning.
Publications
Aslan, Ö. (2024). Playwork practices’ impact on pre-service preschool teachers’ understanding of play and insights into pedagogy of play. Theory and Practice in Child Development, 4(1), 41-56. Read more.
Aslan, Ö., & Boz, M. (2022). Moderating effects of teacher-child relationship on the association between unsociability and play behaviors of young children. The Journal of Genetic Psychology. Read more.
Aslan, Ö., & Altınışık, Y. (2022). The Role of Mother-Child Relationship Between Young Children’s Anxiety and Play Behaviors. Early Development and Care. Read more.
Aslan, Ö. (2020). Turkish and American preschoolers’ play, aggression and victimization behaviours in play context. Early Child Development and Care, 190(3), 348–363. Read more.
Aslan, Ö. (2020). Shyness and peer interactions in non-social play behaviours among Turkish and American preschool-aged children. Early Child Development and Care, 190(8), 1157-1173. Read more.
Aslan, Ö. (2020). Peer Rejection and Internalizing Behavior: The Mediator Role of Peer Victimization in Preschool. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 179(4), 198-206. Read more.
Conclusion
Özge Metin Aslan, Ph.D., presents a compelling case for the Best Researcher Award. Her significant contributions to the field of early childhood education, evidenced by her numerous publications, awards, and international research experiences, showcase her dedication and impact. While there are areas where she could improve, particularly in aligning her research output metrics and seeking higher-impact publication venues, her strengths far outweigh these aspects. Dr. Aslan’s extensive research background, awards, and teaching experience underscore her suitability for the award.