Identifying Contextual and Moderating Components Affecting the Implementation of the Primary Mathematics Curriculum

Abstract

Purpose: Given the importance of proper implementation of the primary mathematics curriculum, this study aimed to identify the effective contextual and moderating components in the implementation of the primary mathematics curriculum. Methodology: This study was applied in purpose and qualitative in approach. The research population consisted of expert teachers in the field of primary mathematics curriculum in Tehran during the academic year 2020-2021, from whom 16 were selected based on theoretical saturation using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The research tool was a semi-structured interview, the face validity of which was confirmed by experts, and its reliability was obtained with a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 0.86. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis in MAXQDA-2020 software. Findings: The findings revealed that in the model of effective components in the implementation of the primary mathematics curriculum, for contextual components, 17 basic themes were identified under 4 organizing themes including social, cultural, economic, and structural, and for moderating components, 20 basic themes were identified under 3 organizing themes including advantages of learning mathematics, barriers to learning mathematics, and facilitators of learning mathematics. Ultimately, a model of effective contextual and moderating components in the implementation of the primary mathematics curriculum was illustrated. Conclusion: According to the results of this study and considering the effective contextual and moderating components in the implementation of the primary mathematics curriculum, it is necessary for specialists and curriculum planners to utilize strategies compatible with the identified components to improve the educational system.