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BEST PRACTICES
INSPIRING TEACHERS

Murat DEVECİ

A 26-Year-Journey – Change Your Mind

We interviewed Murat Deveci, an English teacher in Isparta, about his innovative
approaches to English language teaching and his leadership experience.
Mr Deveci, what is the main idea my innovative work in education. IVLP was a turning point for me,
behind your 26 years of teaching as it improved my leadership skills, introduced natural ways of
experience? learning English, and gave me a global perspective by connecting
me with international leaders. Since then, I have seen English as a
For me, teaching is not just a profession tool for intercultural dialogue and peace, a vision that still shapes
but a way of life. For 26 years, I have my projects today.
not only taught English but also aimed
to change the mindset of my students.
That is why my main guiding principle
is ‘Change Your Mind’. Because
without changing the mind, learning
cannot truly happen.
What methods did you implement to realise this vision?
I built my teaching philosophy on four pillars: immersion in
English through lessons, projects, and daily use; gamification
to make learning engaging; differentiated learning tailored
to students’ levels and interests; and TYMM, which brings a
holistic, gamified approach. All of these were enriched by the
international perspective I gained through the IVLP programme.
Could you share some of the projects you carried out with your
students?

Of course. The highlights included a Poetry Reading Ceremony
where English was combined with culture, music, and traditional
performances. There were also Mini Parliament and MUN activities,
which helped students practise leadership and diplomacy in
English. In addition, students joined treasure hunts in shopping
malls and school gardens, where they had to use English actively
to complete tasks. Another important event was the Rocky Steps
Ceremony, a motivational activity where students expressed
themselves using English slogans. TUBITAK 4006 and TEKNOFEST
projects also brought together AI, VR, and AR technologies with
English learning. All these activities matched the updated goals of
the Ministry of National Education and the TYMM model.
What is IVLP, and how did it influence your work and
perspective? Finally, how would you define your future vision?

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the United My vision is to expand these experiences nationally and
States’ most prestigious exchange and leadership programme. It internationally. English teaching should not be exam-orientated
brings together leaders from education, politics, media, and civil but life-orientated. My motto, ‘Change Your Mind’, is a constant
society. Candidates cannot apply directly; they are nominated by reminder to my students and colleagues: ‘Change your mind,
the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In 2016, I was selected because of change the world.’
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