1. IMPLEMENTATION OF BOLOGNA PROCESS IN TURKEY, 2009 -2011 National Team of Bologna Experts in Turkey Project description The main approach of the National Team of Bologna Process 2009-2011 Project is  to focus on the issues and activities regarding National Qualifications Framework,  implementation of ECTS at Turkish higher education institutions (HEIs),  recognition of Prior Learning,  employability and  full implementation of Bologna Process for the newly established HEIs. The level of implementation of the Bologna Process at Turkish HEIs varies due to many newly established HEIs during the last two years. To counteract this, regional seminars, workshops and study visits are being organized targeting full implementation of the Bologna Process actions at these HEIs. Target groups In order to realize the main aims of the Bologna Project in Turkey, various organizations are to be involved in the Project as stakeholder. HEIs, relevant Ministries and governmental bodies Vocational Qualifications Authority, Social partners and relevant Stakeholders Impact The project has major impact on the widespread implementation of NQF at HEIs in Turkey and this initiates for various sectors and programs to draw up with their QF as well. Although significant progress has been achieved towards realizing the objectives of the Bologna Process, it is obvious that certain action lines of the Bologna Process remain relatively weak in Turkey. We are certainly being focus on them for further improvements such as; implications of lifelong learning and prior learning and employability. Previous Projects and their Results Implementation of the Bologna Process in Turkey: 16 July 2004 – 31 June 2005 Implementation of the Bologna Process in Turkey: 1 July 2005 – 31 December 2006 Promotion of Bologna Process in Turkey: May 1, 2007- April 30, 2008 Promotion of Bologna Process in Turkey: June 30, 2008 – July 1, 2009 During these previous phases of the Project, “Bologna Coordination Commissions” (BEK) were established in every university to implement Bologna Process in HEIs. The reports of BEK are being improved and utilized in order to have better policies to implement Bologna Process in the Universities. Activities Conducted so far: Thematic Workshops / Seminars / Reg. Meetings: Workshops at newly established HEIs - Nevşehir Üniversitesi, October 1-2, 2009 - S. Demirel Universitesi, 12-13 November, 2010 - Samsun 19 May University, April 15-16, 2010 - Namik Kemal University, May 28, 2010 Workshops on NQF: - Gaziantep University, Nov. 5-6, 2009, Erasmus - Ege & Yasar Universities, April 8-9, 2010, Erasmus Coordination Meetings - Higher Education Council, August 24, 2009 - Istanbul Technical University, Sept. 9, 2009 - H. Education Council, January 15, 2010, HEQF - Ondokuz Mayis University, April 15, 2010 National Conference: Conference on the progress of implementing QF - Marmara University, October 22-23, 2009, NQF - İstanbul University, December 4, 2009, BEK - M. Kemal University, January 22, 2010, NQF - Hacettepe University, February 12, 2010, NQF - Anatolia University, March 19, 2010, BEK - Akdeniz University, May 14, 2010, Students Three Meetings on Qualifications of Broad Field in Higher Education Council Building in Ankara, March 15, April 19 and June 14, 2010 Conclusion Remarks 1.The activities indicated in the project are being implemented. Some of the reflections from participants to activities are given in evaluation results. 2.One advantageous feature of Turkey’s Higher Education System is having Higher Education Council to organize and coordinate Bologna Process in Turkey 3.Because of the newly established universities, more local activities are necessary to increase the awareness of Bologna Process in these institutions. 4.It is very well observed that Bologna Process in HEI in Turkey created an excited environment to improve the quality of Education 5.There exists obstacles for Bologna Process. Important ones are resistance because of habits, lack of infrastructure in newly established universities, unwillingness of administrations and workload of faculty members. 6.High student and staff mobility in Turkey contributes to a better environment for implementing Bologna Process. Summary of Evaluation Results of the Activities Almost in all activities we try to have feedback from participants through evaluating the meeting in terms of contribution of the meetings to implement the Bologna Process in HEIs in Turkey. This survey was conducted with 420 participants in different activities. The results are given below. Shortcomings Frequency Repeated and theorical information62 Few examples of good practices48 Crowded and short meetings35 Absence of reading material before meetings30 The same presentation for all type of universities20 Timing problem in the presentations15 Few participants of shareholders12 Lack of ability in presentation and communication10 Better places could be chosen for the meetings10 Not having enough time for discussion section8 Obstacles Frequency Resistance to change and old habits78 Lack of infrastructure and financial means62 Unwillingness of administration39 Workload of faculty members36 Lack of awareness on Bologna Process29 Not comprehending necessity of the Process25 The Process is not being taken seriously23 Incompetency in foreign languages23 Lack of communication10 Lack of motivation15 Lack of supervision12 Lack of Web based system10 Suggestions Frequency Practices in workshops should be more explicit32 Workshops must be conducted more often for small groups22 Reading material needs to be provided before meetings18 The activities could not be squeezed into one day18 Separate meetings for newly established universities15 Example of good practices should be promoted13 Top administrators must be encouraged to participate12 Contribution of the Process needs to be well explained10 The Process needs to be discussed in virtual environment10 Timing in presentations and sessions needs to be obeyed8 Number of local visits to universities should be increased6 The sessions must be more interactive4