Dr. Ayşe Çiftci, Cankiri Karatekin University, Turkey
Dr. Ayşe Çiftci is an accomplished academic and practitioner in early childhood education and child development. Currently serving as a Lecturer in the Department of Child Development at Çankırı Karatekin University, she brings extensive experience from her tenure at the University of York. Dr. Çiftci’s career spans roles such as a preschool teacher in both the UK and Turkey, and she has actively contributed to non-governmental organizations, including roles with the Turkish Badminton and Table Tennis Federations. Her work blends practical experience with academic research, focusing on bilingual education and child development. Dr. Çiftci is known for her dedication to enhancing educational practices and contributing to the field through both research and applied work.
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Strengths for the Award:
- Comprehensive Educational Background: Dr. Ayşe Çiftci holds a Doctoral degree in Early Childhood Development and Education from the University of York, a Master’s in Education from the University of Nottingham, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Training from Gazi University, showcasing a robust academic foundation.
- Relevant and Impactful Research: Her doctoral thesis focused on the perceptions of bilingual Turkish students, their teachers, and parents regarding mother tongue learning, highlighting a significant contribution to bilingual education and its implications for early childhood development.
- Practical Experience: Dr. Çiftci’s hands-on experience as a preschool teacher and her roles in various child development-focused organizations demonstrate a practical understanding of educational practices and challenges, enriching her research perspective.
- Active Memberships: Her membership in prominent scientific organizations such as the British Early Childhood Education Research Association and the British Association for Applied Linguistics reflects her active engagement with the academic community and current trends in her field.
- Recognition and Awards: The Yurt Dışı Yüksek Lisans ve Doktora Bursu (YLSY) award from the Turkish Ministry of National Education acknowledges her academic excellence and potential.
Areas for Improvement:
- Publication Record: While Dr. Çiftci’s research contributions are notable, expanding her publication record in high-impact journals and presenting at international conferences could enhance her visibility and impact in the academic community.
- Research Diversity: Diversifying her research topics to include a broader range of early childhood education issues beyond bilingualism could demonstrate versatility and a wider impact on the field.
- Collaborative Research: Engaging in collaborative research projects with other leading experts or institutions might provide opportunities for broader, interdisciplinary insights and innovations.
Education 📚
Dr. Ayşe Çiftci completed her doctoral studies in Early Childhood Development and Education at the University of York in 2022, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Leah Roberts. She earned her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Nottingham in 2016, with a thesis on bilingual Turkish students, guided by Philip Hood. Dr. Çiftci’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Training from Gazi University, followed by an Associate Degree from Anadolu University. Her educational background highlights a strong foundation in child development and educational research, supported by international experiences and a focus on bilingual education and pedagogical practices.
Experience📝
Dr. Ayşe Çiftci has a diverse professional background in both academic and practical settings. She currently serves as a Lecturer in Child Development at Çankırı Karatekin University, where she focuses on early childhood education. Her previous academic role was at the University of York, where she contributed to the Department of Education. Dr. Çiftci has also worked as a preschool teacher at Yearsley Grove Primary School and the Centre of Turkish Language Culture in Nottingham. Her non-academic experience includes roles as a Child Development Specialist with the Turkish Badminton and Table Tennis Federations and a Coordinator for the University of York’s Graduate Student Association. This extensive experience underscores her expertise in child development, education, and organizational roles.
Awards and Honors🏆
Dr. Ayşe Çiftci has been recognized for her academic excellence and contributions to the field of education. She received the Yurt Dışı Yüksek Lisans ve Doktora Bursu (YLSY) from the Turkish Ministry of National Education in 2013, a prestigious scholarship supporting her graduate and doctoral studies abroad. This award highlights her commitment to advancing her knowledge and expertise in early childhood education and child development. Her recognition extends to her active participation in academic associations and contributions to educational research, underscoring her dedication to the field and her impact on educational practices and policies.
Research Focus 🔍
Dr. Ayşe Çiftci’s research primarily centers on early childhood development and bilingual education. Her doctoral thesis explored the perceptions of teachers, students, and parents regarding the learning of a mother tongue by bilingual Turkish students. This research addresses key aspects of bilingual education and its impact on learning outcomes in early childhood. Dr. Çiftci’s work aims to enhance understanding of how bilingualism influences educational experiences and child development. Her focus on these areas contributes to improving educational practices and supports the development of effective strategies for bilingual education and child development. Through her research, Dr. Çiftci seeks to bridge gaps in educational practices and promote better outcomes for young learners in diverse linguistic contexts.
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