Metaphorical Perceptions of Students in Institutions Admitting Students through Special Aptitude Examination towards the 800 Thousand Barrier Application and Formation Training

Authors : Betül Bek, Edanur Kaba, Zühal Dinç Altun

Pages : 206-249

View : 84 | Download : 97

Publication Date : 2025-07-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study examines the metaphorical perceptions of students enrolled in higher education programs that admit candidates through special talent exams, focusing on the 800 thousand success ranking threshold and pedagogical formation. Conducted as a qualitative case study, the research involved 83 students from Fine Arts Education, Faculty of Fine Arts, Conservatory, and Sports Sciences departments. Each participant produced one metaphor for each topic, resulting in 166 expressions. Data were analyzed using content analysis and categorized as positive or negative. Regarding the 800 thousand threshold, 43 positive and 40 negative metaphors were identified. Positive metaphors emphasized themes like “distinctiveness” and “difficulty,” suggesting the threshold serves as a legitimate quality filter for teacher selection. Negative metaphors focused on “injustice,” “worthlessness,” and “obstruction,” especially from students in talent-based fields who felt disadvantaged by standardized exams. For pedagogical formation, 24 positive and 59 negative metaphors were recorded. Positive metaphors portrayed it as a “necessity,” a path to “experience,” and a means to “realizing dreams.” In contrast, negative metaphors described it as “inadequate,” “unfair,” and “lacking value,” often seen as a shortcut undermining formal teacher training. Overall, students viewed the 800 thousand threshold more positively than pedagogical formation. While the threshold was seen as necessary for teacher quality, formation drew criticism for its perceived unfairness and weak legitimacy. The study recommends aligning teacher education curricula with threshold standards, encouraging Basic Proficiency Test [TYT] preparation, and restructuring pedagogical formation to ensure fairness and higher quality.
Keywords : Özel yetenek sınavı, 800 bin başarı sıralaması, pedagojik formasyon eğitimi, Metafor

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