PD DAYS
2025–2026 Academic Year Start: PD Days at a Glance
24–25 September | Maslak Campus
At the beginning of the 2025–2026 academic year, a two-day, face-to-face Professional Development Program was held by our valuable guest speakers and PD office to bring our instructors together, encourage collaboration, and provide a refreshing and inspiring start to the new academic year.
The sessions held within the scope of PD days aimed to support our teaching community by offering opportunities to learn, share experiences, and explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Below is the overview of the program, including the sessions delivered by our invited speakers and colleagues.
DAY 1 — September 24
“Student & Teacher Wellbeing”
by Sena Akyol
A session focusing on holistic wellbeing practices and strategies to help both instructors and students thrive emotionally and academically.
“Student & Teacher Motivation”
by Amir Hamidi
Insights and practical ideas on fostering motivation in diverse learning environments.
“Future Skills”
by Beril Ayman Yücel
An engaging discussion on the competencies students need for the future and how educators can integrate these skills into teaching.
“Beyond Word Lists: Engaging Strategies for Vocabulary Teaching & Learning”
by Dr. Fatoş Uğur Eskiçırak
A hands-on session exploring creative, research-based vocabulary teaching techniques.
DAY 2 — September 25
"Coursebook Demonstration" — ‘Outcomes’
by Amie Esmkhani
An introductory session on a potential course book, “Outcomes” by National Geographic Learning, for the next semester.
"Coursebook Demonstration" —‘Highnote’ & Smart Lesson Generator
by Stephen O’Farrell
An introductory session on a potential course book, “Highnote” by Pearson Education, for the next semester.
“Making Most of the Packs”
by Dr. Gürkan Temiz
A practical session on using pack materials updated for the Fall semester effectively.
“Performance Appraisal Model — Past Experiences & Future Directions”
by Sinem Bayındır Musaoğlu
A reflection session on Past Experiences & Future Directions of the Performance Appraisal Model.
“Performance Appraisal Model — Past Experiences & Future Directions”
By Dr. Gürkan Temiz
A reflection session on Past Experiences & Future Directions of the Performance Appraisal Model.
“Making Most of the Packs”
by Sinem Bayındır Musaoğlu
A practical session on using pack materials was updated for the Fall semester, effectively.