Evaluation of the 3rd Grade Science Curriculum in Primary Schools

The aim of this study is to evaluate the 3rd grade science curriculum which was put into practice for the first time in 2014-2015 academic year. The eclectic model that used different components of multiple evaluation models according to the characteristics of the research was utilized. Robert Stake’s Countenance Model was used when assessing the achievement of curriculum’s objectives, content, teaching-learning process and measurement process and Tyler Model was utilized in order to determine to what extent objectives were realized. The study used a survey research design Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The research data were collected from 200 teachers who teach 3rd grade students in primary schools and 100 school third grade students. Descriptive statistics was used for analyzing of quantitative data; in the analysis of qualitative data, content analysis was used. According to the findings obtained from the research, the teachers found that dimensions (objectives, content, teaching-learning process and assessment process) of 3rd grade curriculum was structured in accordance with the principles of curriculum development. However, some deficiencies were identified. For example; the number of experiments included in the curriculum are not sufficient and physical condition of the school is insufficient to implement these experiments. Moreover, it is difficult to obtain the materials needed to carry out the experiments. The level of achievements of the objectives by students varies between 49% and 95%. Improving the physical conditions of schools, providing sufficient printed documents for students, preparing workbooks and preparing a guide-book for teachers are among the recommendations made so that the program can be implemented more effectively