The Boundaries of Involving Students in the Curriculum: An Analysis of the Views of Authorities

The present research has aimed to find out how authorities see the boundaries of student involvement in the curriculum. To do so, first viewpoints of authorities on student involvement in the curriculum were described and categorized using documentary, library and conceptual analysis research methods. Subsequently, while criticizing the points of view provided, the aspects of student involvement in the curriculum which authorities agreed upon and had overlooked were indicated. Then, having examined the status quo, authorities' views on the boundaries of having students participate in the curriculum were pointed out. The participants in this research were thirteen authorities and policy-makers on curriculum who were selected purposefully based on their attitude toward student involvement in curriculum. The results obtained by analyzing authorities' points of view showed student involvement in the curriculum to be possible in all aspects of the curriculum. However, the theoretical and practical mechanisms required for students' actual involvement in the curriculum have not been prepared yet. Having conducted various studies, the negotiated curriculum model was determined to be an appropriate approach for students to participate in the curriculum, based on which a fundamental change in attitude toward students as "aware and effective individuals" who can be involved in the process of curriculum improvement has been pointed out.