EXAMINATION OF TEACHER AUTONOMY CONCEPT AND CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO TEACHER'S OPINIONS

Abstract
The purpose of this research; The aim of this study is to reveal teachers' perceptions of the concept of teacher autonomy and their views on the conditions for increasing teacher autonomy. This research, which was designed with qualitative research method and case study, was supported by 91 teachers from various branches from Bursa province Osmangazi and Yıldırım districts. The participants of the research were selected with easily accessible case sampling. In order to collect the data of the research, a semi-structured interview form was created by the researchers and collected by face-to-face interview technique. The data of the research were analyzed with descriptive and content analysis and the findings of the research were reached. According to the findings of the research, definitions of the concept of teacher autonomy were gathered under the themes of  decision, planning, in-class activities and evaluation. The decisions that teachers are expected to participate in at the school are gathered under the themes of education and training, the general functioning of the school in all decisions, increasing student success and providing discipline. Decisions that are not expected to be attended by teachers at the school are gathered under the themes of administrative decisions, decisions not related to education, financing, legislation and discipline. In the research, it was found that the main areas in which teachers can make arrangements freely are teaching methods and techniques, and the choice of course tools and materials. The main benefits of teacher autonomy were found to increase quality and success in education, increase motivation, develop belonging, innovation and development, and improve trust. The main risks of teacher autonomy were found to be incompatibility and disruption of order, deterioration of the integrity of education and training, abuse, failure to fulfill responsibilities and making it difficult for the administrator to manage the school. Supporting teacher autonomy and creating areas of freedom by school administrators will also contribute to the development of teachers' professional potential at school. Every initiative that supports the development of the teacher will have a positive effect on the learning processes of the students.
Keywords: Autonomy, teacher autonomy, teacher.