I met Mr. İzzet Akın in 2000 and had the privilege to share classes with him both at Marmara University and at Doğuş University. As an English instructor, he exceeds traditional ways of teaching and autonomously uses unique strategies along with communicative and interactive teaching methods for his students’ acquirement of both receptive and productive skills. Mr. Akın has a thoroughly internalized knowledge of English –as a qualified native speaker- and an amazing ability to pass his knowledge to learners at all levels. Having had the chance to share classes with him at all levels, I may unhesitatingly declare that his students, colleagues and administrators not only appreciate Mr. Akın’s motivating, unique, devoted teaching style but also benefit from it to a considerable extent.
Mr. Akın also has such an imaginative and witty mind with an astoundingly wide range of vocabulary that he has the ability to create an authentic English-speaking atmosphere in speaking classes where a variety of spoken registers –such as formal, informal, colloquial language uses- are brought into the classroom and students are expected to gain awareness of how these registers are used distinctively in various real-life situations. Mr. Akın’s use of integrated skills lets his students benefit from this authentically designed, culture-oriented classroom environment as he teaches other skills as well.
I wholeheartedly believe that his academic and pedagogical expertise, tolerant personality, experience in teaching besides his supportive and sociable character make him qualified also for any administrative position in teaching.
In terms of professional ethics, Mr. Akın has an utterly humanist view wherein his colleagues and students are regarded by him as cherishable individuals and precious partners.
Had it not been for Mr. Akın’s partnership, I would presently lack some of the academic and pedagogical qualities I possess especially on the teaching of speaking skills and vocabulary. I recommend him for any academic post related to English teaching.
Başak Ergil
Formerly English teacher,
presently Translation Studies scholar and researcher
(PhD student)
Contact info:
basakergil@hotmail.com