The effectiveness of "Curriculum Development" course designed to increase curriculum knowledge of teacher candidates

The aim of this research is to examine the effectiveness of the Curriculum Development course designed to increase the level of curriculum knowledge of teacher candidates in education. To achieve this goal, a multi-stage mixed method design was used. This design is structured with the needs analysis phase, the course design phase, and the application evaluation phases. In the stage of needs analysis, needs identification questionnaires were used for teachers (n=178) and teaching staff (n=10) who are experts in curriculum and instruction field. Observation (n=63) and semi-structured interview (n=10) techniques were used for teacher candidates. The course designed within the scope of the needs analysis findings was implemented in the Fall Semester of the 2020/2021 Academic Year. In the implementation evaluation phase, semi-experimental design with experimental (n=30) and control groups (n=62), teacher candidates semi-structured interviews (n=12) and teacher candidates' course work were used to determine the effectiveness of the designed course. The results of the research showed that the curriculum knowledge levels of teacher candidates can be increased through a course designed within the framework of this concept. Teacher candidates stated that the designed course was effective and productive and would be beneficial in their teaching career. In addition, different sub-dimensions and application suggestions were presented to the literature in terms of curriculum knowledge sub-dimensions.