Research article    |    Open Access
International Journal of the Pursuit of Excellence Qualitative Research in Education (IJPEQRE) 2026, Vol. 5(1) 51-66

The Impact of Policy Interventions in Education on Learning and Teacher Competencies: An Umbrella Review on Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses in Türkiye

Serhat SÜRAL

pp. 51 - 66

Publish Date: June 30, 2026  |   Single/Total View: 0/0   |   Single/Total Download: 0/0


Abstract

This study evaluates meta-analysis and systematic review research examining the effects of educational policies
on learning outcomes and teacher competencies in Türkiye through an umbrella review approach. Studies
directly or indirectly related to educational policies were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria and
comparatively analyzed in terms of policy focus, output variables, reported effect sizes, and methodological
characteristics. Findings indicate that evidence production in Türkiye predominantly concentrates on
pedagogical practices, teacher training processes, and educational organizations. Policy orientations
emphasizing instructional strategies, early childhood interventions, and basic skills generally yield small-tomoderate
effects on learner outcomes, whereas correlational findings concerning organizational variables
demonstrate stronger and more consistent patterns. However, high-level syntheses directly assessing causal
links between macro policy instruments—such as curriculum reforms, assessment regulations, and governance
mechanisms—and learning or teacher outcomes remain limited. High heterogeneity levels suggest that
conclusions about policy effectiveness must be context sensitive. The umbrella review framework reveals the
strengths, consistencies, and gaps in existing evidence and provides a systematic basis for evidence-informed
policy development in Türkiye.

Keywords: Education policies, meta-analysis, teacher competencies, umbrella review


How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
SURAL, S. (2026). The Impact of Policy Interventions in Education on Learning and Teacher Competencies: An Umbrella Review on Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses in Türkiye. International Journal of the Pursuit of Excellence Qualitative Research in Education (IJPEQRE), 5(1), 51-66.

Harvard
SURAL, S. (2026). The Impact of Policy Interventions in Education on Learning and Teacher Competencies: An Umbrella Review on Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses in Türkiye. International Journal of the Pursuit of Excellence Qualitative Research in Education (IJPEQRE), 5(1), pp. 51-66.

Chicago 16th edition
SURAL, Serhat (2026). "The Impact of Policy Interventions in Education on Learning and Teacher Competencies: An Umbrella Review on Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses in Türkiye". International Journal of the Pursuit of Excellence Qualitative Research in Education (IJPEQRE) 5 (1):51-66.

References

    Babaoğlu, C. (2018). A literature review on higher education policy in Turkey and policy transfer as a
    key term for analysis. Fiscaoeconomia, 2(1), 186–203.
    https://doi.org/10.25295/fsecon.2018.01.009
    Bakioğlu, A., & Göktaş, E. (2019). Eğitim politikası bağlamında işbirlikli ve geleneksel öğrenme
    yöntemlerinin tutuma etkisinin meta analizi. Journal of Theoretical Educational Science, 12(3),
    1013-1043. https://doi.org/10.30831/akukeg.454886
    Cairney, P. (2016). The politics of evidence-based policy making. Palgrave Macmillan.
    https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-51781-4
    Choi, G. J., & Kang, H. (2022). The umbrella review: A useful strategy in the rain of evidence. Korean
    Journal of Pain, 35(2), 127-128. https://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2022.35.2.127
    Cooper, H., Hedges, L. V., & Valentine, J. C. (2019). The handbook of research synthesis and metaanalysis
    (3rd ed.). Russell Sage Foundation.
    ElGamal, H., & Zawacki-Richter, O. (2025). Insights from an umbrella review of flipped learning in
    higher education. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 26(4),
    141-171. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v26i4.8301
    Fernandez, R. S., Sharifnia, A. M., & Khalil, H. (2025). Umbrella reviews: A methodological guide.
    European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 24(6), 996–1002.
    https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjcn/zvaf012
    Gürhan, E. (2025). Primary school curriculum reform in Türkiye: Analyzing recent innovations in
    national education policies. Al-Adzka: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah,
    15(1), 143-155. https://doi.org/10.18592/aladzkapgmi.v15i1.16298
    Hamarat, E. (2019). 21. yüzyıl becerileri odağında Türkiye’nin eğitim politikaları. SETA.
    Kaya, S. (2023). A meta-synthesis on the scope and research trends in curriculum and instruction field
    (1974-2021) in Türkiye. E-International Journal of Educational Research, 14 (4), 246-263.
    https://doi.org/10.19160/e-ijer.1292721
    Kılıç, İ., & Yavuz, M. (2022). Analysis of articles published in 2019 and 2020 within the scope of
    education policies, management, and leadership. Journal of Education and Future, 22(22), 1-
    14. https://doi.org/10.30786/jef.901113
    Kuru, M. E., & Eryaman, M. Y. (2025). A systematic review of research-informed educational policy
    and practice in Turkey. Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 20(2), 58-73.
    https://doi.org/10.29329/epasr.2025.1329.3
    Mertkan, S., Mills, D., Takir, A., & Emmioglu Sarıkaya, E. (2026). Research on retractions: A
    systematic review and research agenda. Accountability in Research, 33(3), Article 2542203.
    https://doi.org/10.1080/08989621.2025.2542203
    Nutley, S. M., Walter, I., & Davies, H. T. O. (2007). Using evidence: Introducing the issues. In S. M.
    Nutley, I. Walter, & H. T. O. Davies (Eds.), Using evidence: How research can inform public
    services (pp. 1–32). Policy Press. https://doi.org/10.51952/9781847422323.ch001
    OECD. (2018). Effective teacher policies: Insights from PISA. OECD Publishing.
    https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264301603-en
    Slim, K., & Marquillier, T. (2022). Umbrella reviews: A new tool to synthesize scientific evidence in
    surgery. Journal of Visceral Surgery, 159(2), 144-149.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2021.10.001
    Tuncay, A., Dönmez, Y., Meral, O., & Okay, H. (2024). Milli eğitim yönetiminde eğitim politikası
    analiz sürecini uygulamaya dönüştürme. International Journal of Social Sciences
    (IJSS)/Uluslararasi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 8(33). https://doi.org/10.52096/usbd.8.33.15
    Zawacki-Richter, O., Kerres, M., Bedenlier, S., Bond, M., & Buntins, K. (Eds.). (2020). Systematic
    reviews in educational research: Methodology, perspectives and application. Springer VS.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-27602-7