Educational Philosophy & Core Values
The Preparatory Division at Boğaziçi University School of Foreign Languages is committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment that equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly globalized world. Our philosophy is built upon a multi-faceted methodological approach, grounded in competency-based and communicative-based learning.
Our core principles are as follows:
- Developing Critical Thinkers and Effective Communicators
We emphasize critical analysis, synthesis, and reflection. Students are encouraged to engage with complex ideas, form their own opinions, and communicate effectively in English in academic settings, both verbally and in writing. This prepares them not only to pursue academic studies at their departments with confidence but also to participate actively in departmental coursework and discussions.
- Fostering Lifelong Learners through Interactive Learning
We cultivate a love of learning by incorporating discovery-based methodologies. Students are active participants in their educational journey, using interactive tools and engaging in-house materials alongside AI-powered applications. This approach equips them with the critical thinking and research skills necessary to thrive in their chosen academic disciplines.
- Building 21st-Century Skills for Academic and Professional Success
Our curriculum goes beyond language acquisition, promoting collaboration, digital literacy, and critical thinking. These skills prepare students to excel not only in their academic pursuits but also in their future professional lives, regardless of their chosen fields.
- Nurturing Well-Rounded Individuals
Aligned with Boğaziçi University’s mission, we strive to educate individuals who possess strong ethical values, appreciate diversity, and engage with local and global issues. Our students become equipped to navigate the complexities of academic studies and make significant contributions to their chosen fields.
The ultimate aim is to empower our students to become effective, self-regulated, and autonomous learners. We envision graduates who are collaborative, critical thinkers with a strong foundation in academic honesty, local and global ethics, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Based on the students' needs and up-to-date requirements, Instructors also serve as lifelong learners who continuously engage in professional development. We model the skills, approaches, and core values we aim to instill in our students. Furthermore, instructors collaboratively monitor learners' progress and the learning process, sharing best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
At the Preparatory Division in Boğaziçi University School of Foreign Languages, a combination of formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and identify areas for improvement is utilized. Formative and summative assessments function as a continuous reflective tool, enabling both instructors to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching strategies and the students to monitor their progress in achieving learning objectives.
Our commitment to fostering critical thinkers and lifelong learners is not merely articulated in our educational philosophy; it permeates the design and implementation of our learning environment. This creates a synergy between what we aim to achieve and how we go about achieving it, maximizing the impact on student learning.
By nurturing these values, the SFL equips students to become responsible citizens and successful professionals, prepared to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
