Assoc. Prof. DERYA YÜREĞİLLİ GÖKSU

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Yüreğilli Göksu

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Yüreğilli Göksu, who has transitioned into academia through her extensive research in educational sciences, continues her work in curriculum, educational technologies, STEAM education, teacher training, and curriculum development for gifted students. As an associate professor in the Department of Educational Sciences at Gazi University, Dr. Göksu has led numerous national and international projects aimed at adopting and developing innovative educational approaches.

She began her academic career with a bachelor's degree in English Language Teaching at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University and later completed her master's and doctoral degrees at Gazi University's Institute of Educational Sciences. In her doctoral dissertation, "The Impact of the Flipped Classroom Model on the Academic Achievement, Learning Anxiety, and Attitudes of 5th Grade Students in English", she thoroughly examined the effects of digital transformation and technology on learning processes.

Throughout her career, Dr. Göksu has conducted extensive research on teacher training, curriculum development, artificial intelligence applications in education, STEAM-based instructional methodologies, and gifted education. She has published significant academic works in these fields and has taken key roles as a project coordinator, expert, and consultant in Erasmus+, TÜBİTAK, and European Union-funded projects, contributing to the advancement of innovative teaching methods and curriculum development.

TÜBİTAK, Erasmus+, and European Union-Funded Projects

Dr. Göksu has actively participated in projects focusing on teacher professional development, STEM education, artificial intelligence applications in education, and the education of gifted students. Some of these notable projects are summarized below:

1. Innovative Aerospace and Space Technology Education and Applications for BİLSEM Teachers (TÜBİTAK, 2024-2025)

In this project, Dr. Göksu contributed to the development of innovative educational programs aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of BİLSEM (Science and Art Centers) students in aerospace and space technologies. She served as an expert and played a key role in program evaluation. The project developed next-generation instructional materials in aerospace and space sciences, ensuring students' active participation in scientific exploration processes.

2. STEAM Academy for Preschool Teachers (TÜBİTAK, 2024-2025)

The integration of STEAM and arts disciplines through the STEAM education model is crucial, especially in early childhood education. This project provided training for preschool teachers on STEAM methodologies, helping them develop innovative instructional strategies and digital content for use in classrooms. Dr. Göksu, as a trainer, played a key role in supporting the integration of STEAM-based teaching methodologies into preschool education.

3. Artificial Intelligence Adventures in Middle School (TÜBİTAK, 2024-2025)

In this project, Dr. Göksu took on the role of an expert in curriculum evaluation and development while also contributing to the project's design and writing phase. She worked on developing educational programs that introduce middle school students to artificial intelligence. AI-based applications were utilized to enhance students’ algorithmic thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

4. Teaching is Fun, Students Can Be Teachers (European Union, 2013-2015)

This European Union-funded project aimed to make learning more effective by allowing students to take on the role of teachers. Within this scope, interactive teaching methods were developed, and pre-service teachers were supported in implementing these strategies in classrooms. Dr. Göksu served as a consultant, contributing to the implementation of innovative teaching techniques.

5. Yes to Global Approaches for Gifted Students! (TÜBİTAK 4005, 2018-2019)

As both the project writer and coordinator, Dr. Göksu spearheaded efforts to develop innovative teaching strategies specifically tailored for gifted students. Drawing from global best practices in education, the project sought to enhance gifted education programs in Turkey.

6. Yes to High Quality of Instruction for Special Education! (Ministry of Labor, European Union IPA_IKG, 2021-2023)

This project focused on improving the quality of education for students with special needs by developing new teaching materials and specialized educational programs. Dr. Göksu served as the project coordinator, overseeing the project's execution and ensuring its alignment with inclusive education principles.

7. 21st Century Design in Arts & Science (ArtScience) (TÜBİTAK 4005, 2022-2023)

This project sought to merge arts and science to provide teachers with an interdisciplinary perspective. Through this initiative, students were given opportunities to combine artistic expression with scientific exploration. Dr. Göksu, as an expert, played a key role in integrating artistic approaches into science education.

Academic and Administrative Contributions

Dr. Göksu has not only been engaged in academic research but has also made significant contributions to teacher training and the development of educational programs. She has served and continues to serve in various roles such as a member of the Gazi University Ethics Committee, a member of the R&D (Research and Development) team, and a member of the TÜBİTAK 2209 Student Projects Team.

Her academic achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the ULAKBİM UBYT Program Incentive Award, the Ministry of National Education’s Lifetime Achievement and Excellence Awards, and the Ahmet Yesevi Education Award.

With her expertise in STEM education, artificial intelligence applications, differentiated and enriched curriculum development, and training programs for gifted students and their teachers, Dr. Göksu continues to make significant contributions to the field of educational sciences.

Ministry of National Education (MEB) Experience of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Yüreğilli Göksu (2005-2022)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Yüreğilli Göksu has an extensive background in the Ministry of National Education (MEB), where she played a crucial role in curriculum development, program evaluation, and teacher training at various levels. Her experience within MEB allowed her to work on education policy, research-based curriculum design, and the professional development of teachers across Turkey.

Dr. Göksu worked as an English Teacher and Educational Research and Development (R&D) Team Member within MEB, contributing to curriculum innovation and instructional material development. During her tenure, she actively participated in national projects aimed at modernizing teaching methodologies, integrating digital tools into classrooms, and enhancing the learning experience for students, particularly those in Science and Art Centers (BİLSEM).

Additionally, she held temporary assignments as a Curriculum Development Specialist, where she led initiatives to revise differentiated and enriched education programs for gifted students. She was involved in the restructuring of teaching materials for 19 disciplines, ensuring that educational content was aligned with contemporary pedagogical approaches and global best practices.

As part of her responsibilities, Dr. Göksu coordinated and managed multiple workshops, training programs, and instructional material development projects for the Ministry. She played a leading role in BİLSEM teacher training programs, curriculum adaptation projects, and assessment strategies for identifying gifted students.

Her contributions to MEB's IPA II (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance) projects were also significant. She was assigned full-time to implement and manage EU-funded education projects, bringing innovative methodologies and international collaboration into Turkey’s national education system.

Dr. Göksu’s experience within MEB has deeply influenced her academic and research interests, particularly in the areas of STEM education, teacher training, differentiated instruction, and special education. Her hands-on involvement in policy-making and curriculum reform continues to inform her current work in higher education, where she trains future educators and develops research-driven educational programs.

This extensive background within Turkey's largest educational body highlights her expertise in educational innovation, teacher professional development, and large-scale curriculum reform efforts.