Burcu Izci Fellow Interview

October 08, 2020 / Burcu Izci

Tell us about your life before you came to FGCU.

I attended Florida State University for my graduate education. I earned my master’s degree (Early Childhood Education) in 2013 and a Ph.D. degree (Curriculum & Instruction) in 2019. During my graduate education at FSU, I taught undergraduate-level courses in the Early Childhood Education program and assisted in research studies. Before my graduate education in the United States, I earned my bachelor’s degree from Bogazici University (Turkey) in 2010, and from 2010 to 2011, I worked as a preschool teacher in Turkey.

Tell us about your family or pets.
Toggle More Info

I am originally from Turkey, and my family lives in Turkey. My family and I always raised kittens in our backyard, so I am definitely a cat person. I do not currently have a cat, but I plan to adopt a kitten (or two) in 2021.
How long have you been teaching at FGCU?
Toggle More Info
What research trend in your discipline is most exciting to you?
Toggle More Info
What is the course you’re most passionate about teaching? Why that one?
Toggle More Info

I am most passionate about teaching Play Development & Assessment, and Creative & Affective Development courses. Before Covid-19, those were the courses that included a lot of hands-on activities, toys, various interactive technologies, and exhibition visits. It is difficult to provide those hands-on experiences within the limits of social distancing.
What kind of books do you most like to read for pleasure? What’s a recent title you would recommend?
Toggle More Info

I love reading different genres of books at the same time. I am currently reading Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, and What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Toggle More Info

I would love to have dinner with the founding fathers of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (founder and first president), and Ismet Inonu (second president). I would be so honored to have dinner with them, and I would ask, "How did you do it? How did you make it possible from the impossible situations? What was your secret?"
What new teaching techniques/technologies have you learned or used as a result of working remotely that you could share with other colleagues.
Toggle More Info

Since March, I have been using Canvas Conferences, and it seems user-friendly; my students and I had minor technical problems with it. I use breakout rooms for group discussions, and I try to engage my students as much as possible during synchronous virtual courses.
What are you doing to take care of your mental health during social isolation?
Toggle More Info

I go outside and take a short walk several times a week. I communicate with my family and friends via FaceTime or similar platforms. In addition, I love reading books and trying new recipes to cook and bake. So, I spend some time reading, cooking, and baking. Music and Zumba videos also help me to boost my energy.
When life returns to some semblance of “normal” what do you most look forward to doing/experiencing?
Toggle More Info

When life turns to “normal,” I look forward to traveling nationally and internationally, hugging my friends and family members, watching plays, and attending musical and cultural events/festivals.