Analysis of approaches to curriculum evaluation in Turkey

In this study, it is aimed to analyze the approaches in the field of curriculum evaluation(CE) in Turkey. In the study, theses related to curriculum evaluation between 1991 and 2020 were analyzed: i) descriptively ii) purposive (philosophy-ideology and evaluation focus) iii) methodologically. Evaluation focus-model-application consistency of the studies was examined. Finally, the problems and solution proposals in the field of curriculum evaluation were also analyzed. The holistic single case design was used in the study. The research was carried out in two stages. In the first stage where document analysis is used; between 1991 and 2020, 215 theses were examined with the "thesis review form". Percentage and frequency values were calculated by processing the obtained data. In the second stage of the research, interviews were conducted with 32 consultants/clients who were determined by the maximum diversity sampling method and who carried out these theses, using a semi-structured interview form. Descriptive and content analysis were performed with the MAXQDA 2020 qualitative data analysis program. As a result of the research; in the purposive context, it was determined that Objectivism as philosophy, positivism as ideology, and essentialist questions as the focus of evaluation came to the fore in the field of CE. It can be said that there are inconsistencies between the purposeful dimensions in the documents and the results obtained in the interviews. Again, in the purposive sense of those who do CE work, "Why?" it is seen that they could not fully answer the question. Methodologically, in the research; they mostly use CE models, which are included in the goal-based approach, and they use these models as "Why?" it was determined that they could not fully explain their use. It was determined that quantitative methods, different sampling methods and data collection tools were used. In CE studies, it was determined that there were inconsistencies between the purposeful and methodological dimensions. It has been determined that there are problems in the field of CE in theoretical, evaluative competence, approach and managerial dimensions. Suggestions for solutions to these problems were also determined. As a result, in studies in the field of CE in Turkey; it can be said that there are problems and deficiencies in the dimensions of the existence of the approach and the conduct of studies in accordance with the approach. Keywords: program evaluation, approach, purposive, philosophy, ideology, evaluation focus