Analysis of Dissertations Addressing Key Issues Like Leadership to Lifelong Learning in Education

Abstract

In this research, leadership and other basic dimensions of lifelong learning in graduate dissertations have been examined by content analysis method in Turkey. The purpose of the study is to analyze the graduate dissertations on lifelong learning in education in Turkey. Dissertations are aimed to be discussed in terms of years, types, and their scope/focus such as leadership, teachers, students, conceptual, and others. In the research, document examination technique was used, which is among qualitative research methods. Research universe consists of 46 master theses and 13 doctoral dissertations, totaling 59 dissertations on lifelong learning in education which are on YOK (Higher Education Board) database in Turkey. The data were analyzed in three stages: description, analysis, and interpretation. Due to the research results, it is seen that graduate dissertations on lifelong learning in Turkey started in 1996. This can be because it was “European Lifelong Learning Year” then, with the decision of the European Parliament and Council of Europe No. 2493/95. The least number of dissertations on lifelong learning phenomenon is on leadership dimension. It is observed that most of the dissertations on leadership are about public education centers. In the future, articles and other scientific publications can be examined in lifelong learning in Turkey.