Adaptation Problems and Solutions of Novice Teachers of English

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the adaptation period of novice teachers of English (NTE) in the early years of profession. The study was designed by a qualitative approach in which self-designed survey is used to investigate adaptation problems experienced by NTE, possible solutions and the effects of adaptation period on them. Data were collected from 85 graduates from the Department of English Language Teaching at Hacettepe University in Turkey. Due to the demanding work schedule of participants, (as participants work in different cities), data were collected online, and the link of survey on Google forms was sent via e-mail. The data were analyzed qualitatively through thematic analysis. Results revealed that NTE encountered both professional and social adaptation problems in the early years of their profession. The professional adaptation problems were grouped into six main categories: (1) interpersonal issues, (2) issues with the self-as-a-teacher, (3) teaching procedure issue, (4) student issues, (5) workload issues and (6) institutional issue. The solutions to professional adaptation problems fall into five categories: (1) communication, (2) teacher-related solutions, (3) teaching procedures, (4) job-related solutions and (5) accustomization. Also, this research identified various social adaptation problems participants encountered such as (1) human relations, (2) environmental issues and (3) personal issues. The solutions to social adaptation problems were categorized as (1) adapting, (2) making a difference and (3) own efforts as-a-human. The results of the adaptation period were classified as positive and negative effects. Finally, this study presents pedagogical implications in order to provide NTE with a smooth adaptation period and methodological implications for further studies.