Musa BARDAK

Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education

About

Highly accomplished Assistant Professor with a PhD in Early Childhood Education, specializing in curriculum development, innovative pedagogies, and advanced research methodologies. Proven leader in academic program administration, faculty coordination, and a prolific author of over 20 internationally refereed publications, driving significant advancements in educational theory and practice. Recognized for impactful contributions to STEM education, play-based learning, and comprehensive child development strategies.

Work Experience

Assistant Professor

Sabahattin Zaim University

Jan 2016 - Dec 2024

Istanbul, Marmara, TR

Led academic programs and research initiatives in Early Childhood Education, contributing to curriculum development, faculty coordination, and impactful scholarly publications.

  • Spearheaded curriculum development and pedagogical innovation as Department Head (2024-Current), "Teaching Practice in Schools" Coordinator (2016-2020), and Erasmus Coordinator (2020-2024).
  • Authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles (SCI, SSCI, AHCI, ESCI, SCOPUS) and international book chapters, advancing knowledge in early childhood education.
  • Served as Field Editor for İZÜ Journal of Education (2025-Present) and peer reviewer for 7 international journals, including Q1 and Q2 ranked publications, contributing to academic rigor.
  • Secured and managed multiple projects, including coordinating "Turkic World Digital Citizenship" (2023) and consulting for TÜBİTAK's "4008 Support Program" (2024).
  • Recognized with three İZÜ Academic Incentive Awards (2021, 2023, 2024) for significant contributions to academic achievement.
  • Delivered diverse undergraduate and graduate courses, including "Teaching Practice I/II" (14 years), "Introduction to Early Childhood Education" (7 years), and "Mathematics Education in Early Childhood" (5 years), impacting student development.
  • Mentored and supervised Master's and Doctoral theses, guiding future educators and researchers in early childhood development.

Senior Lecturer

F. Sultan Mehmet Vaqf University

Jan 2013 - Dec 2016

Istanbul, Marmara, TR

Directed Child Development programs and delivered advanced instruction, fostering academic excellence and departmental growth.

  • Led the Child Development Department, overseeing curriculum and faculty, contributing to program development and student success.
  • Taught specialized courses in Child Development, applying innovative pedagogical methods to enhance student learning outcomes.

Lecturer

Harran University

Jan 2010 - Dec 2013

Şanlıurfa, Southeastern Anatolia, TR

Managed the Child Development Department, providing academic leadership and instruction.

  • Administered the Child Development Department, ensuring effective program delivery and student support.
  • Contributed to the academic community through teaching and departmental initiatives.

Lecturer

Mardin Artuklu University

Jan 2009 - Dec 2010

Mardin, Southeastern Anatolia, TR

Provided leadership for the Child Development Department and instructed foundational courses.

  • Headed the Child Development Department, managing operational and academic responsibilities.
  • Delivered engaging lectures and fostered student engagement in Child Development studies.

Preschool Teacher

Tokatköy Primary School

Jan 2005 - Dec 2009

Beykoz, Istanbul, Marmara, TR

Designed and delivered engaging educational experiences for preschool children, fostering foundational learning and development.

  • Developed and executed age-appropriate curricula, promoting cognitive, social, and emotional growth in young children.
  • Managed classroom activities and collaborated with parents to support holistic child development.

Early Childhood Development Teacher (Conscripted Service)

Ahmet Toprak Vocational High School

Jan 2006 - Dec 2007

Lice, Diyarbakır, Southeastern Anatolia, TR

Educated and mentored students in early childhood development within a public sector vocational high school.

  • Implemented comprehensive early childhood development curricula, preparing students for careers in the field.
  • Provided practical training and guidance, contributing to students' professional readiness.

Education

Early Childhood Education Teacher Training

Marmara University

Jan 2016 - Dec 2023

Istanbul, Marmara, TR

Curriculum and Instruction

Fırat University

Jan 2009 - Dec 2011

Elazığ, Eastern Anatolia, TR

Early Childhood Education Teacher Training

Marmara University

Jan 2001 - Dec 2005

Istanbul, Marmara, TR

Certificates

Accreditation Evaluator Certification

EPDAD (Education Faculty Programs Accreditation Association)

Jan 2024

Projects

Science and Society Supports, 4008 Support Program for Inclusive Community Practices for Individuals with Special Needs

Jan 2024 - Dec 2024

Provided expert consultation for a TÜBİTAK-supported program.

Turkic World Digital Citizenship

Jan 2023 - Dec 2023

Coordinated a multi-partner project focused on digital citizenship.

Children and Youth Financial Support Program

Jan 2021 - Dec 2021

Served as an Independent Evaluator for the Istanbul Development Agency (IDA) program.

Children and Youth Financial Support Program

Jan 2018 - Dec 2018

Served as an Independent Evaluator for the Istanbul Development Agency (IDA) program.

Curious Little Ones Education Center Project

Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

Served as an Expert in Pre-School Education for a project supported by the Istanbul Development Agency.

Children and Youth Financial Support Program

Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

Served as an Independent Evaluator for the Istanbul Development Agency (IDA) program.

Children and Youth Financial Support Program

Jan 2014 - Dec 2014

Served as an Independent Evaluator for the Istanbul Development Agency (IDA) program.

Awards

Academic Achievement Award (Mid-Category)

İZÜ Academic Incentive Awards

Jan 2024

Recognized for outstanding academic contributions and achievements.

Academic Achievement Award (Mid-Category)

İZÜ Academic Incentive Awards

Jan 2023

Recognized for outstanding academic contributions and achievements.

Academic Incentive Award (Mid-Category Prize)

İZÜ Academic Incentive Awards

Jan 2021

Awarded for significant academic contributions in the mid-category.

Publications

Bardak, M. (Ed.) (2025). Okul Öncesi Eğitim Değerlendirmeleri. Yaz Yayıncılık (E_ISBN 978-625-5838-62-9) doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17431312

Yaz Publication

Nov 2025

Bardak, M. (2025). Oyuncaklar İle Aile ve Çocuk. C. Köken (Ed.) Türk Kültüründe Aile ve Çocuk içinde (s. 239-254). Eğiten Kitap Yayınları (ISBN 978-625-5974-83-9).

Eğiten Publication

Oct 2025

Bardak, M. & Topaç, N. (2025). Proje Değerlendirme Kriterleri ve Rubrik Kullanimi. M. Özgenel ve O. Söner (Ed.), Eğitimde Proje Hazırlama ve Yönetimi içinde (s. 186-199). Ankara: Pegem Akademi Yayıncılık (ISBN 978-625-6652-29-3)

Pegem Academy Publishing

Oct 2025

Bardak, M. & Topaç, N. (2025). Maarif Modeli 2024 Okul Öncesi Eğitim Programının Analizi. M. Bardak (Ed.), Erken Çocukluk Eğitimde Güncel Araştırmalar içinde (s. 179-197). Ankara: Vizetek Yayıncılık. (E_ISBN 978-625-5531-84-1). DOI: 10.54637/vizetek.9786255531841

Vizetek Publication

Oct 2025

Bardak, M. (Ed.) (2025). Erken Çocukluk Eğitimde Güncel Araştırmalar. Vizetek Yayıncılık. (E_ISBN 978-625-5531-84-1). doi.org/10.54637/vizetek.9786255531841

Vizetek Publication

Oct 2025

Bardak, M. & Topaç, N. (2025). Erken Çocuklukta Oyun Temelli Pedagojiler ve Metaverse. Y. Değirmenci (Ed.) Eğitim Bilimleri Konuları içinde (s. 62-83). Yaz Yayınları (E_ISBN 978-625-5596-27-7). doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15070791

Yaz Publication

Aug 2025

The first modern early childhood education curriculum in the Ottoman Empire: The 1911 Ottoman İttihat Schools Kindergarten Program. International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches, 9(3), 333-337.

International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches

Jan 2025

Bardak, M. (2024). Ahmet Kemal Paşa ve Osmanlı Eğitiminin Kamu Yönetimine Geçme Sürecindeki Rolü. İçinde (Ed. M. Akif Kireçci ve Hasan Bacanlı) Türkiye’de Eğitim Düşünürleri (s. 145-174). Economic Cooperation Organization Education Institute Publishing (ISBN: 9786259887081)

Economic Cooperation Organization Education Institute Publishing

Dec 2024

Bardak, M. (2024). Türkiye'de Okul Öncesi Eğitimin Tarihsel Gelişimi ve Mevcut Durumu. İçinde (Ed. İsa Kaya) Okul Öncesi Eğitim (s.16-24). İlke Vakfı Yayınları

İlke Vaqf Publishing

May 2024

http://dx.doi.org/10.26414/ar14

Bardak, M. & Nas, E. E. (2023). Bilim ve Yaratıcılık. In A. Balaban-Dağal & Ş. Değirmenci (Eds.), Erken Çocuklukta Yaratıcılığa Genel Bakış (s. 373-396). Eğiten Yayın (ISBN: 9786256594715).

Eğiten Publishing

Dec 2023

Bardak, M. (2023). Ana Muallime Mektebi. Türk Maarif Ansiklopedisi, C.1, s.216-218. Maarif Vakfı Yayınları.

Turkish Maarif Foundation Publications

Sep 2023

The effect of Corona-virus disease (COVID-19) outbreak quarantine on the belief and behavior of children in early childhood with a fuzzy conjoint method. Mathematical Sciences and Applications E-Notes, 11(1), 43-55.

Mathematical Sciences and Applications E-Notes

Jan 2023

Examining the effects of music on cognitive skills of children in early childhood with the Pythagorean fuzzy set approach. Sigma Journal of Engineering and Natural Sciences, 41(4), 742-749.

Sigma Journal of Engineering and Natural Sciences

Jan 2023

Bardak, M. & Topaç, N. (2022). Türkiye'deki Okul Öncesi Öğretmenliği Lisans Programlarının Öğretim Elemanları Açısından İncelenmesi. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Eğitim Dergisi, 4 (1), 111-139.

Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Eğitim Dergisi

Apr 2022

Kirişci, M., Bardak, M. & Topaç, N. (2022). New Possibility Soft Sets with Gender Equality Application in Early Childhood Children. In C.-H. Chen et al. (Eds.) Volume 30: Applied Mathematics, Modeling and Computer Simulation (pp. 1082-1089). IOSPress.

IOSPress

Mar 2022

A bibliographic essay on traditional children's games and educational play in early childhood. International Journal of Social and Educational Sciences, 17, 24-57.

International Journal of Social and Educational Sciences

Jan 2022

The novel VIKOR methods for generalized Pythagorean fuzzy soft sets and its application to children of early childhood in COVID-19 quarantine. Neural Computing & Applications, 34(3), 1877-1903.

Neural Computing & Applications

Jan 2022

Bardak, M. & Topaç, N. (2021). Oyun ve Oyun Materyalleri. İstanbul: Efe Akademi Yayınları (ISBN: 9786258217377).

Efe Academy Publishing

Dec 2021

Bardak, M. & Topaç, N. & Mertoğlu, E. (2021). Information Literacy Standards in Early Childhood in A. Kabadayı (Eds.) Innovations and Challenges in Early Childhood Education for Sustainable Development (pp. 90-135). Lyon: Livre de Lyon (ISBN: 9782382361801)

Livre de Lyon

Oct 2021

Risk assessment of cognitive and behavioral development of early childhood children in quarantine days: An AHP approach. Communications in Advanced Mathematical Sciences, 4(3), 137-149.

Communications in Advanced Mathematical Sciences

Jan 2021

Investigation of Preschool Children's Descriptions of Value Concepts: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Values Education, 18(39), 447-487.

Journal of Values Education

Jan 2020

Early childhood children in COVID-19 quarantine days and multiple correspondence analysis. Journal of Mathematical Sciences and Modelling, 3(3), 130-134.

Journal of Mathematical Sciences and Modelling

Jan 2020

Biography of the Late Ottoman Educator-Bureaucrat Ahmed Kemal Pasha. International Journal of Social and Educational Sciences, 7(13), 40-71.

International Journal of Social and Educational Sciences

Jan 2020

Success for all: Promoting early childhood STEM identity. International Journal of Field Education, 6(1), 201-208.

International Journal of Field Education

Jan 2020

(Translation article)

Polat, Ö. ve Bardak, M. (2019). Türkiye’de Erken Çocukluk Döneminde STEM Yaklaşımı. International Journal of Social Science Research, 8 (2), 18-41.

International Journal of Social Science Research

Dec 2019

Bardak, M. & Topaç, N. (2019). Eğitici Çocuk Oyunları: Bir Osmanlı Pedagogu Ahmed Edib ve Terbiyevi Çocuk Oyunları. Efe Akademi Yayınları. (ISBN:9786052308882)

Efe Academy Publishing

Dec 2019

Bardak, M. (2019). Osmanlı’da Modern Okul öncesi Eğitim (1908-1918). Alalma Yayınları (ISBN: 9786058111431)

Alalma Publishing

Oct 2019

Bardak, M. (2018). Oyun Temelli Öğrenme. (Ed. A. Gürol) içinde, Erken Çocukluk Döneminde Öğrenme Yaklaşımları (s. 207-230). Efe Akademi Yayınları (ISBN: 9786052308479).

Efe Academy Publishing

Nov 2018

Yaşar-Ekici, F. & Bardak, M. & Yousef Zadeh, M. (2018) Erken Çocukluk Döneminde STEM. İçinde (Ed. E. Aydın, K. A. Kırkıç), Merhaba STEM: Yenilikçi Bir Öğretim Yaklaşımı (s. 51-78). Eğitim Kitabevi

Eğitim Publishing

Oct 2018

Zembat, R., Kılıç, Z., Ünlüer, E., Çobanoğlu, A., Usbaş, H., Bardak, M., (2015) Çocuğun Beslenme Alışkanlığını Kazanmasında Okul Öncesi Eğitim Kurumlarının Yeri. H.Ü. Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 1(1), 417-424.

Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi

Nov 2015

Gündüz, M. ve Bardak, M. (Yayına Hazırlama) (2011). Eğitimci bir Jön Türk Lider Ahmet Rıza Bey ve Vazife ve Mesuliyet Eserleri. Divan Kitap (ISBN:9786054239184)

Divan Publishing

Aug 2011

Gündüz, M. ve Bardak, M. (2010). Eğitimde Millîlik ve Milli Talim ve Terbiye Cemiyeti Mecmuası Üzerine Bir İnceleme. NWSA Educational Science, 1(4), 1932-1954.

NWSA Educational Science

Oct 2010

Languages

Turkish , English

Skills

Educational Leadership

  • Curriculum Development
  • Program Management
  • Faculty Coordination
  • Accreditation Evaluation
  • Erasmus Program Management
  • Department Head
  • Academic Administration

Research & Analysis

  • Qualitative Research
  • Quantitative Research
  • Data Analysis
  • Fuzzy Set Approach
  • AHP Approach
  • Statistical Modeling
  • Bibliographic Analysis
  • STEM Education Research
  • Early Childhood Curriculum Research
  • Educational Psychology
  • Mixed Methods Research
  • Scholarly Writing

Teaching & Pedagogy

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Child Development
  • Curriculum & Instruction
  • Play-Based Learning
  • STEM Pedagogy
  • Sensory Education
  • Social Skills Training
  • Children's Literature
  • Mathematics Education
  • Educational Policies
  • Children & Media
  • Teaching Practice
  • Mentorship

Project Management

  • Project Evaluation
  • Project Coordination
  • Grant Acquisition
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Program Implementation
  • Consultation

Editorial & Peer Review

  • Field Editing
  • Academic Peer Review
  • Scholarly Publishing
  • Journal Management
  • Research Ethics
  • Content Evaluation