Development of a critical media literacy curriculum

This study aimed to develop a critical media literacy curriculum for use in teacher education. The study was designed according to a multi-stage mixed model. In the qualitative dimension of the multi-stage mixed model, in order to determine the needs for the curriculum, academicians who provide education in this field and pre-service teachers who will benefit from this education were reached and their opinions were obtained through semi-structured interviews and questionnaire forms. In line with the data obtained from the literature review and the opinions of experts and pre-service teachers, the framework curriculum (objective, scope-content, method technique, skills, measurement and evaluation dimensions) was prepared and the opinions of the experts on this curriculum were taken. A critical media literacy curriculum was developed in line with the opinions received. "Philosophy for Teachers" approach was used in the design of the learning-teaching processes of the curriculum. In the quantitative dimension of the study, the developed curriculum was implementation to 4th grade students (28 pre-service teachers) studying in the Department of Social Studies teaching for 14 weeks. In the evaluation phase of the program, the pre-post test (achievement test) scores of the study group were analyzed using t-test for dependent groups. Regarding the implementation process, focus group interviews were conducted with pre-service teachers using semi-structured interview forms, and the data obtained were analyzed through descriptive analysis. As a result of the study, it was determined that there was a significant difference between the pre test and post test scores of the participants (t (27) =-17.24, p<.05), and in the focus group interviews, the participants stated that the knowledge and skills they learned through this programme would contribute to their professional and daily lives. It is recommended that the curriculum developed based on the idea that critically looking at media messages is inevitable today should be delivered to more individuals.