Evaluating the associate degree curriculum in child development

Abstract

This case study aims to evaluate the associate degree curriculum in child development. In the curriculum evaluation process, Stufflebeam's CIPP curriculum evaluation model was chosen. In the process of collecting data, interviews were conducted with 64 associate degree students and six instructors working in this programme. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed by content analysis method. The results suggest that the content of the most effective courses in the program includes important and new information for students’ professional development, and includes the information needed in daily life. In addition, the students prefer to be taught practically and effectively with different methods/techniques in the teaching and learning processes. They also suggest that the program should include formative assesment and extracurricular activities such as visits to institutions, conferences/ seminars, and internships. On the other hand, the instructors stated that the problems arising from the students and the deficiencies related to the physical facilities (infrastructure), such as students' lack of interest/willingness to the course, reduce the effectiveness of the curriculum. Based on the results of the study, 21st-century skills should be included and students' professional, academic and social development should be supported in the program. Different methods/techniques, materials and extracurricular activities should be used to ensure that students engage in the course with interest and enthusiasm, and multiple assessment methods/tools should be used in the assessment and evaluation process.