A thematic analysis of the scientific studies focused on primary school curricula which were implemented between the years of 2005-2018 in Turkey

The purpose of this study is to conduct a thematic analysis of the scientific studies focused on primary school curricula which were implemented between the years of 2005-2018 in Turkey. This study was conducted with the use of thematic content analysis, which is one of the qualitative research methods. The sample of this study comprises 308 postgraduate and doctorate thesis papers - with permissions to share - found in the Board of High Education's National Thesis Center on the curricula of Turkish, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, Music, Art and Physical Education. For the collection of data, a matrix which incorporates the year the study was done, the authors of the study, curriculum, the samples, the methods, the purpose, the important findings and the issues and suggestions relevant to the program has been used. With the help of this matrix the studies were analyzed, the findings were categorized into themes and interpreted. The results of this study has shown that the teachers are not well-informed about the program during the application period, teaching materials are insufficient, overcrowded classrooms cause problems in the implementation of the curriculum, course books are not designed in accordance with the content of the curriculum, allocated time for learning outcomes is not appropriate, parent education is neglected, evaluation and assessment process is not conducted in line with curricular requirements, subjects such as art, music and physical education are not considered important. While the curriculum has structural issues it is indicated that the problems arise mostly due to financial and social reasons. Research has found that because of changes which were made in the course of time the problems were eventually diminished or eradicated.