The 5th National Education Transformation Forum with the 'National Journey of Education from Past to Future' theme will be held at Kastamonu University Ahmet Yesevi Cultural Center between 11-15 November 2024.
Organized in line with the Ministry of National Education Scientific Meetings Directive, the Forum brings together different stakeholders of the education world in cooperation with Kastamonu University, Gazi University, Kastamonu Governorship, and the Association of Educational Administrators and Experts (EYUDER).
The opening program of the Forum was held on 12 November 2024 at Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Hall. In the opening speeches, transformation in education and the future of national education were emphasized. In addition, a music concert was held at the event, and an EYUDER promotional film was shown.
Among the participants were our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, Association of Educational Administrators and Experts - International Federation of Educational Associations (EYUDER-ULEDEF) President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adem Çilek, National Education Transformation Forum (UEDFOR) Academic Coordinator Prof. Dr. Temel Çalık, and AK Party Kastamonu MP F. Serap Ekmekci. Academicians, educators, and teachers affiliated with the Ministry of National Education also attended the program.
EYUDER-ULEDEF President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adem Çilek, who made the opening speech of the program, evaluated the development of Turkey's education policies and drew attention to the importance of equipping teachers and educators to meet the needs of the age. He also emphasized that the Association aims to improve the quality of the education system by sharing good practices in education, developing solutions to educational problems, and organizing various activities to support the professional development of teachers.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kaçar, Dean of the Faculty of Education, stated that in addition to transferring cultural values to young generations, contemporary education methods should be included in the education system. Prof. Dr. Kaçar also emphasized the importance of transformation in education and stressed that national values and global developments should raise new generations. In this context, he stated that the Faculty of Education aims to prepare prospective teachers for the educational needs of the future by equipping them with modern pedagogical approaches and technological innovations.
UEDFOR Academic Coordinator Prof. Dr. Temel Çalık emphasized the critical role of teachers in education and stated that the development and innovations in education are directly linked to the competence of teachers. He indicated that EYUDER should share good educational practices, develop solutions to academic problems, and carry out various projects with social sensitivity. In addition, reminding the Turkish nation's struggle for independence and Atatürk's leadership in education, he pointed out that education should be reorganized in line with national values and the importance of transformation in education for this purpose.
In his speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal mentioned the organization's purpose and stated that it aims to strengthen the academic and practical foundations of innovative approaches and sustainable development in education. Pointing out that education is one of the essential building blocks of social development, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal stated that Kastamonu University is determined to contribute to this development. He also emphasized that the university will continue contributing to increasing education quality through national and international cooperation.
MP F. Serap Ekmekci stated that national education policies strengthen social solidarity and development and that the transformation in education should be done in harmony with traditional values and contemporary needs. Ekmekci stated that Kastamonu has a deep-rooted history, from madrasas to the Ottoman science center identity and the educational institutions of the Republican period, and emphasized that the city plays a vital role in keeping these values alive. He also stated that raising the new generation in a way that adapts to the requirements of the age is critical for the success of education policies.
The Forum offers a comprehensive platform for sharing innovative projects in education, strengthening academic cooperation, and discussing national education policies. In various sessions, educators, academics, students, and sector representatives will comprehensively examine the transformation processes in education. Workshops and presentations during the Forum will provide practical information on different aspects of education.
