Evaluation of the 2024 Türkiye Century Education Model, 2024 Life Sciences Curriculum and Life Sciences Textbook

The purpose of this study is to examine first-grade teachers’ evaluations of the Life Studies curriculum and textbooks within the scope of the 2024 Türkiye Century Education Model (TYMM). The study adopted a qualitative research design and was structured using a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through individual interviews conducted with first-grade teachers. Findings indicate that teachers considered the in-service training provided during the seminar period to be inadequate, as it was planned without taking into account the actual classroom conditions such as crowded classes and lack of materials. It was also found that teachers were not provided with sufficient guidance on differentiation—one of the core components of the model—resulting in the implementation of differentiation practices being largely limited to teachers’ individual efforts. In addition, teachers reported that the contents of the EBA (Education Information Network) were not fully aligned with or up to date with the new curriculum. Criticisms also emerged regarding the lack of teacher involvement in the program development process, the increased intensity of the content despite the reduction in the number of learning outcomes, and the growing complexity of assessment and evaluation processes. On the other hand, teachers emphasized several positive aspects, such as the improved functionality of textbooks, the support of digital resources in teaching, the stronger emphasis on values education, and the rise in student participation. Overall, the study reveals that teachers’ curriculum literacy is limited and that lessons are largely conducted in a textbook-centered manner. This situation also indicates that teachers are not sufficiently aware of the guidelines provided in the “Teaching and Learning Practices” section of the curriculum. Therefore, it is recommended that the Ministry of National Education develop comprehensive teacher guides that clearly demonstrate how to implement each component of the curriculum and provide practical strategies for classroom applications.