AUTHOR GUIDELINES

Preparing Manuscript
All manuscripts should be prepared in Word format by using the Article Template. Please use American English throughout the manuscript consistently. In addition, ensure that the Manuscript, the Title Page and the Cover Page are formatted exactly in accordance with the IJOCIS Author Guidelines and Manuscript Review Process (please click here for more information). Submissions that do not comply will be returned to the authors for correction before the initial editorial review process.

Click for the Title Page Template

Click for the Article Template

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 Font
 Use Segoe UI, 12-point (unless specified otherwise for specific sections in the Article Template)
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Word Limit
The manuscripts should not be longer than 10000 words including references, tables, figures and appendices. The word limit excludes the abstract and extended Turkish summary.
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Headings
Detailed information about headings is given in the template. Headings should not be numbered and should follow a similar pattern as shown in the template.
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Symbols
Symbols should be inserted in the text through the symbol command in Word, not as pictures.
Tables, Figures, Graphs and Pictures
Position tables, figures, graphs and pictures in the running text. Respective formats are presented in the template. When referring to them, use the number (e.g., Table 1, Figure 2, Graph 1) instead of using statements such as “the table below, the figure above.” Pictures should be at least 300 dpi resolution.
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Numbers
Numbers between 0-10 should be in text format within text (except for findings). Numbers should also be avoided at the beginning of sentences and text form should be used (e.g., Seventh century…). Numeric data should be given in decimals in both text and in tables, figures, and other elements (e.g., 11.25, 24.00).
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Referencing
All text citations and reference listings should comply with APA 7th edition. Detailed information is provided in the template under the References section.
Extended Turkish Summary
The extended Turkish summary (to be placed at the end of the manuscript) should be between 750 and 1000 words and address all parts of the article in a concise presentation.
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Submitting Manuscript
Authors are required to submit all the documents listed below during the manuscript submission process:
1) Cover Letter
2) Title Page
3) Manuscript Anonymous (without author information)
4) Ethics Committee Approval
5) Similarity Report
6) Copyright Agreement
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1. Cover Letter
A brief cover letter must be uploaded as a separate document at submission. It should clearly explain why the manuscript is suitable for publication in IJOCIS and highlight its main scholarly contributions. Authors should address the points below concisely. The Cover Letter must not exceed 500 words.
1. Relevance to IJOCIS Scope: Describe how the study contributes to the field of curriculum and/or instructional studies at national or international levels.
2. Scholarly Contribution: Highlight the theoretical, methodological, and/or practical significance of the research.
3. Originality: Clarify what is new or unique about the study and why it is important for researchers, practitioners, or policy makers.
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2. Title Page
The title page must include author-identifying information and manuscript details listed below. Please ensure that the Title Page is submitted as a separate file from the anonymous (blind) manuscript to maintain the integrity of the double-blind peer-review process. Authors must use the IJOCIS Title Page Template when preparing this document.
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Title Page must include the following information:
2.1. Title of the Article
Titles must be concise, informative; and clearly reflect the main focus and context of the article. Abbreviations, symbols (such as “&”), and unnecessary punctuation (e.g., full stops) should not be used in the title.
2.2. Article Type
Authors must clearly indicate the type of manuscript they submit. IJOCIS accepts the following article types:
● Research Article: Empirical studies employing qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods that contribute original findings to the field of curriculum and instruction.
● Research Review Article: Studies systematically analyzing existing research such as systematic literature review, meta-analysis, meta synthesis, meta ethnography with a purpose to provide new insights or directions for research and practice in the field of curriculum and instruction.
● Theoretical / Conceptual Article: Manuscripts that develop, refine, or critique theoretical perspectives, frameworks, or constructs in the field of curriculum and instruction.
Important Note: Articles must fit one of these categories. Please select the most appropriate type that reflects the primary purpose and structure of the manuscript.
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2.3. Author Information
1. Full name(s) of author(s)
2. Affiliation(s) (including department, institution, city and country)
3. Active e-mail address(es)
4. 16-digit ORCID number(s)
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2.4. Corresponding Author
1. Full name
2. Affiliation
3. Active e-mail address
Important Note: Author names cannot be added, removed, or reordered after submission except under exceptional circumstances (e.g., force majeure) and must be justified in writing and approved by the editorial board. All communication during review and publication will be conducted solely with the corresponding author.
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2.5. Abstract
Abstract should be 200-250 words and must include: purpose of the study, method (design, participants, instruments, and data analysis, etc.), main findings, and implications. Undefined abbreviations and references should not be included. Abstract should be included both in the Title Page and the Anonymous Manuscript.
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2.6. Keywords
Provide 3-5 keywords representing the core content of the article and locating the study in literature search. They should not be too general or too specific and not exceed 3 words each. Keywords should be included both in the Title Page and the Manuscript Anonymous.
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2.7. Declarations
The following declarations are required. Except for the first two, the declarations below will be included in the manuscript by the author/s if the manuscript is accepted:
1. Originality of Manuscript
2. Authorship
3. Author Contributions
4. Conflict of Interest
5. Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use
6. Availability of Data and Materials
7. Funding
8. Acknowledgement (if any) 

9. Prior dissemination (if any)

Each statement must be clear and included exactly as instructed below:
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2.7.1. Originality of Manuscript
Authors must confirm that the manuscript is original, not previously published (in full or partial), and not under review elsewhere.
o “We/I confirm that this work is original and has not been published elsewhere, nor is it currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.”
Articles may be based on conference presentations, institutional reports, theses, or dissertations provided that the work has not been formally published. In such cases, authors must include a clear statement as shown below:
o “This work originates from a conference presentation / thesis / dissertation (title/date: ….) and has not been formally published.”
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2.7.2. Authorship
All the authors listed in the article must approve the final version of the manuscript and acknowledge equal and full responsibility for its content.
o “We/I approve the final version of this manuscript and acknowledge full responsibility for its content.”
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2.7.3. Author Contributions
All multi author manuscripts must confirm the author order and include a clear and accurate Author Contributions statement. Each author's role should be specified, and only contributors who have made substantial scholarly contributions should be included as authors. All listed authors by name must state their contributions (e.g., conceptualization, literature review, methodology, data collection, data analysis, writing-original draft, writing-review and editing, validation and interpretation). An example:
o “Author 1 (Name the author): Conceptualization, methodology, data collection, data analysis, writing-original draft.
o Author 2 (Name the author): Literature review, data analysis, writing-review and editing, validation and interpretation.
o …
Important Note: Authorship requires a substantial contribution to the study. Individuals providing support beyond substantial authorship (e.g., proofreading, providing feedback) may be acknowledged (see Acknowledgements section) but should not be listed as authors.
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2.7.4. Conflict of Interest
State any conflict of interest with other person(s), organization(s), or institution(s). If none exists, write:
o “The author/s declare no competing interests with other person(s), organization(s), or institution(s).”
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2.7.5. Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence Use
Disclose whether Artificial Intelligence or Generative AI tools were used in any stage of writing and preparing the manuscript. If used, clearly state the tool used and the extent of use.
Examples of statements for AI use:
o We/I used AI (name of the tool/s) for grammar and language editing.
o We/I used AI (name of the tool/s) for translation of documents in (language).
Example of a statement for non-use:
o We/I did not use AI or GenAI in writing/preparing any part of the manuscript such as the literature review, data analysis, or interpretation of results.
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2.7.6. Availability of Data and Materials
Indicate where the study data can be accessed, including conditions for access if public sharing is restricted. Sample statements:
o The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available in [repository name], [persistent link].
o The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to ethical and confidentiality restrictions but are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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2.7.7. Funding (if any)
Authors must acknowledge grant providers, grant numbers, and funding duration. If no funding was received, this must be stated. Sample statements:
“This research was funded by ….. with the grant number ….. for the period of ….. to …..”
“This research received no funding.”
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2.7.8. Acknowledgements (if any)
This optional section may be used to recognize non-author contributions such as general guidance, technical or administrative support, access to research sites or data, proofreading assistance. Individuals acknowledged must agree to be named, and their contributions must not imply authorship. An example:
“The authors thank [Name Surname] for technical support and the participating schools for their collaboration.”

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 2.7.9. Prior Dissemination (if any)
If there is any, please list prior forms of dissemination or source of the article such as conference presentation or thesis/dissertation.

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 3. Manuscript Anonymous (without author information)

 Authors should submit an anonymous manuscript prepared according to the Article Template. Information about the authors, institutions, organizations, funding bodies, and acknowledgments should not be included in the anonymous manuscript submitted.

To preserve the integrity of the double-blind peer review process, please ensure that all self-citations are properly anonymized in the anonymous manuscript. In the in-text citations, replace identifying references with a neutral format such as (Author, 2021), (Author & Author, 2020), Author et al. (2023). Avoid any wording that reveals authorship. In the reference list, replace full bibliographic details with a placeholder, for example, "Author (2021). Details removed for blind review." All identifying information should be restored both in the text and in the reference list after the review process is completed.

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4. Ethics Committee Approval
Studies involving human participants (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, experiments), human/animal data, or the processing of personal data require formal Ethics Committee Approval from an authorized ethics committee, and the approval document must be uploaded. If Ethics Committee Approval is not required for the study (e.g., document analysis), this must be explained in the cover letter. Sample statements;
“This study was approved by XXXX University Institutional Ethical Review Board. All procedures in this study were conducted in accordance with XXXX University Institutional Review Board's approved protocols.”
“Ethics Committee Approval was not required for this study because it did not involve human participants, personal data or animal subjects.”
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5. Similarity Report
The manuscripts that are submitted must be original. Authors must include a similarity report (such as Turnitin, iThenticate) with their submission. IJOCIS also subjects all manuscripts to a plagiarism/similarity check before proceeding with the double-blind review process and before publication if accepted. Authors asked to resubmit or revise, if
● general similarity rate is equal to or above 15%
● similarity rate for each citation is equal to or above 3% , and
● there are block similarities.
Uncredited and large units of similarity with the author(s) previous work can also be considered plagiarism (self-plagiarism) and may lead to rejection.
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6. Copyright Agreement
Copyright Agreement and Licensing Policy
By submitting a manuscript to the International Journal of Curriculum and Instructional Studies (IJOCIS), authors must acknowledge and agree to the following terms:
1. Disclaimer of Liability:
The content of the submitted manuscripts reflects the views of the author(s) only and does not bind or reflect the official views of the Owner, the Chief Editor, the Section Editors, the Editorial Board Members, or the Scientific Committee Members of IJOCIS.
2. Copyright Ownership and Publication Rights:
Copyright for articles published in IJOCIS is retained by the author(s). However, by signing this agreement, the author(s) grant first publication rights to IJOCIS and the Turkish Association of Curriculum and Instruction (TACI) as the Owner.
3. Licensing Terms (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0):
All articles published in IJOCIS are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) license. This permits third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format, provided that:
• Attribution: The author(s) and IJOCIS are appropriately credited.
• NonCommercial: The material is not used for commercial purposes.
• NoDerivatives: The work is not modified, transformed, or built upon.
4. Infringement and Subsequent Use:
While the license allows specific uses, IJOCIS is not responsible for any subsequent uses of the work by third parties that fall outside its scope of the license. It is solely the author's responsibility to monitor the use of their work and to bring infringement action against third parties if deemed necessary by the author. Please click here to download the Title Page Template and Copyright Agreement Form.

Ethical Principles
An article must be prepared and submitted in full compliance with national and international principles of research and publication ethics. This involves an ethical review of the research proposal, adherence to ethical procedures during research such as anonymity, confidentiality and informed consent, and giving full credit to all cited and quoted work in the articles. In line with TR Dizin’s ethical criteria (updated in 2020), studies involving human participants (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, experiments), human/animal data, or the processing of personal data require formal approval from an authorized ethics committee.

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Publication Policy
International Journal of Curriculum and Instructional Studies (IJOCIS) (ISSN: 2146-3638; E-ISSN: 2619-9068), an open-access and peer-reviewed international journal, has no Article Submission Charges (ASCs), Article Processing Charges (APCs), language editing fees, or membership fees for using IJOCIS as a publication venue.