Curriculum Materials Research Articles

Curriculum integration: The case of social sciences and pre-vocational education textbooks

Curriculum materials are integrated horizontally, connecting various curricula by demonstrating concepts, principles, and laws to contribute to a comprehensive understanding and sustainability of the learned material. This approach is valid in the case of the National and Civic Education (NCE) curriculum, which can assist in overcoming the vital issues of vocational orientation in Jordan. This study aimed to explore whether the NCE curriculum contextualizes vocational education concepts facilitating students’ right selection of career paths and orientations. The researchers analyzed three NCE textbooks (8th, 9th, and 10th grades) to determine whether these textbooks included concepts relevant to vocational education and vocational guidance. The results showed that (NCE) textbooks include some valuable concepts; however, there is an absence of key concepts related to vocational education orientation and vocational guidance. The study concluded that NCE textbooks in upper primary education include essential concepts that could be out of interest to the students; however, the textbook can be integrated with more concepts to support students’ knowledge of vocational and technical education.

“Reminds Me How Much You Ought to be Thinking About”: Advancing History Teachers’ Vetting and Adaption of Digital Curriculum Materials

The digital revolution has widened the array of curriculum materials available to history teachers. Given the variable quality of these new materials and the deeply contextual nature of teaching, educators need better tools for selecting among the vast options available. This study aimed to validate a device designed for that purpose, called the Curriculum Materials Evaluation Tool (CMET). Using a questionnaire and think-aloud interview, the study examined how four social studies teachers evaluated a novel material set for potential classroom use, and how the CMET mediated their analysis. Findings showed that the teachers preferred when materials are readily accessible and adaptable for their specific teaching context, in contrast to “one-size-fits-all” resources that dominate the Web. The CMET appeared to foster a deeper and broader analysis of the given material set, especially regarding its political and cultural orientation. The study suggests that teachers’ role in vetting and adapting digital materials be recognized and embraced. The CMET can contribute to that end through its use in district adoption committees, teacher professional development, and collaborative curriculum research.

Development of The STAD Cooperative Learning Model : Enhancing Mathematical Reasoning and Communication Skills in Higher Education

This study aims to develop the STAD cooperative learning model specifically designed for mathematics education in a higher institution to impact students' reasoning and communication skills. The study holds significance in its comprehensive analysis, encompassing (1) Plomp Stage 1 Schematic: Preliminary Study; (2) Plomp Stage 2 Schematic: Development Study; and (3) Plomp Stage 3 Schematic: Assessment Study of the developed STAD learning model. The method employed was Research and Development (R&D), utilizing questionnaires, tests, and observations as data collection techniques. The present research involved students at a university in Padangsidimpuan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The analysis techniques used were inferential statistics and descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that: (1) The preliminary study of the model was conducted based on needs analysis incorporating the curriculum, student, and learning materials; (2) The model’s development study, encompassing six phases, yielded a significant validation result of 3.84, categorized as ‘Good’; (3) The assessment study, in terms of practicality, obtained a score of 4.60 (considered ‘Good’), and effectiveness demonstrated positive significance in affecting students' reasoning and communication skills. The overarching conclusion drawn is that the research and development of the STAD learning model revealed significant positive impacts on students' reasoning and communication skills.

ON THE QUESTION ABOUT OLYMPIAD TASKS OF THE PRACTICAL TOUR IN THE “GYMNASTICS” SECTION FOR GIRLS OF 7-8 CLASSES

The article reveals the issue of preparing secondary school students for participation in the Olympiad in Physical Educa-tion (practical round “Gymnastics”). The purpose of the study is to study the specifi cs of preparing girls in grades 7–8 for the Olympiad tasks of a practical round in gymnastics. Research methods: analysis of literary sources, questionnaire survey method. Research results and discussion. The methodological basis of the study was the opinions of specialists on the importance of holding the Olympiad in physical education for students in secondary schools and its main stages (school, municipal, regional and All-Russian). As a result of the study, the importance of the competitive test “Olympiad in Physical Education” for schoolchildren was identifi ed in relation to increasing motivation for physical education and sports, as well as for monitoring the assimilation of school curriculum material in theoretical and practical blocks. The role of physical education teachers in preparing students for Olympiad tasks is outlined, and the requirements for their professional competence in this matter are presented. The requirements for conducting a practical round in gymnastics are considered. The main positions on the set of gymnastic elements are indicated, the emphasis is placed on the main er-rors and deductions provided for this. The evaluation methodology for performing an acrobatic combination is analyzed. The opinions of physical education teachers on the content of classes to prepare for the Olympiad tasks of the practical round in the section “gymnastics” for girls in grades 7–8 are presented. There are some diffi culties with teaching girls acrobatic exercises; there is a lag in the students' level of development of physical qualities. There is a need for a process of optimizing the teaching of basic motor actions in the program section “Gymnastics” in a secondary school and an ac-tive focus on preparing for all stages of the Olympiad in physical education, in particular with regard to practical rounds. Conclusions. The main features of conducting Olympiad tasks of a practical round in gymnastics have been identifi ed. The results of the questionnaire revealed the level of awareness of physical education teachers on the issue being studied, their attitude towards the Olympiad tasks and the “Gymnastics” section, and diffi culties in teaching exercises. The section “gymnastics” in schools is given due attention. Physical education teachers try to prepare students for the requirements of the Olympiad tasks, but girls have diffi culties mastering motor actions, and there is also a lag in the level of develop-ment of physical qualities. In this regard, physical education teachers need to optimize the process of teaching girls in grades 7–8 the basic motor actions of the “gymnastics” program section and improve the methods of preparing students for all stages of the Olympiad in physical education of this practical round.

Strategi Pendidikan Multikultural dalam Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam (PAI) di SD Islam Terpadu Al-Abqari Kota Subulussalam Provinsi Aceh

The aim of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) is not just to fill students' minds with knowledge and subject matter, but to cleanse their souls which must be filled with good morals and values. This is in accordance with the aim of multicultural education, namely to create a harmonious life in a pluralistic society. The aim of this research is to determine multicultural education strategies in learning Islamic Religious Education (PAI) at the AL-ABQARI Integrated Islamic Elementary School, Subulussalam City, Aceh Province. This research method is a qualitative approach. The research subjects (informants) were school principals, Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers and students. Data collection techniques for this research are observation and interviews. The results of this research are that multicultural education strategies in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning are: 1) Teachers teach with teaching and learning activities by creating heterogeneous groups based on the division of groups of students of different genders, having different cultures; 2) Relationships between students in one group communicate with each other, work together and collaborate positively (human relations); 3) Single group studies, where the teacher explains in detail things that promote pluralism but does not emphasize social stratification in schools; 4) Teaching and learning activities use curriculum and learning materials that emphasize differences. Teachers empower the culture of students brought to school who come from different groups; 5) Teachers make a lot of effort to help students develop positive attitudes about group differences. The conclusion of this research is that Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning at the AL-ABQARI Integrated Islamic Elementary School is carried out using a multicultural education strategy.

An Inquiry-Oriented Approach to Determinants

In introductory linear algebra classrooms, determinants are often taught in a formulaic way that obscures their rich connections to graphical interpretations of linear transformations. As an alternative, in this paper, we introduce an innovative task sequence exploring the determinant conceptualized as a measure of the distortion of space. The task sequence is part of the Inquiry-Oriented Linear Algebra (IOLA) curricular materials, which build from experientially real tasks that allow for active student engagement in the guided reinvention of key mathematical ideas through student and instructor inquiry. The task sequence begins with students developing a conceptualization of the 2 × 2 matrix determinant as a ratio between the (signed) area of an image object and the area of its pre-image object transformed by the associated linear transformation. They then use this conceptualization to construct for themselves the 2 × 2 determinant formula and the determinant of a matrix inverse. Finally, students explore 2D and 3D GeoGebra applets to reinvent and explain core theorems related to the determinant involving linear dependence and switching/scaling rows and columns. Student work examples are provided throughout the paper.

Incorporation of Critical Thinking Skills Development: A Case of Mathematics Curriculum for Grades I-XII

This research explores the analysis of the National Curriculum for Mathematics (2006) in Pakistan to promote critical thinking among students from grades I to XII. The qualitative content analysis was used to systematically scrutinize the curriculum document to determine significant aspects that contribute to developing critical thinking skills. The analysis focused on developing conceptual understanding and skill development while addressing real-life problem-solving and logical reasoning. It is based on a spiral approach where concepts are revisited and deepened across grades, promoting interactive, student-centered teaching methods. Finally, it highly underscores the use of technology, especially at higher levels, that can enhance mathematical exploration. The curriculum also demonstrates its commitment to reasoning and logical thinking by dedicating a separate standard and incorporating activities encouraging pattern recognition, argumentation, and justification. However, how successful this can be in classrooms will depend primarily on how well it is executed. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of the mathematics curriculum in Pakistan to develop student's critical thinking abilities and offers recommendations for further improvement. The findings imply that designing curricular materials is essential in realizing 21st-century skills; remarkably, the National Curriculum for Mathematics (2006), Pakistan, is well-grounded in assisting students' development regarding critical thinking.

High school teachers’ data set aesthetics

PurposeWith increased focus on data literacy and data science education in K-12, little is known about what makes a data set preferable for use by classroom teachers. Given that educational designers often privilege authenticity, the purpose of this study is to examine how teachers use features of data sets to determine their suitability for authentic data science learning experiences with their students.Design/methodology/approachInterviews with 12 practicing high school mathematics and statistics teachers were conducted and video-recorded. Teachers were given two different data sets about the same context and asked to explain which one would be better suited for an authentic data science experience. Following knowledge analysis methods, the teachers’ responses were coded and iteratively reviewed to find themes that appeared across multiple teachers related to their aesthetic judgments.FindingsThree aspects of authenticity for data sets for this task were identified. These include thinking of authentic data sets as being “messy,” as requiring more work for the student or analyst to pore through than other data sets and as involving computation.Originality/valueAnalysis of teachers’ aesthetics of data sets is a new direction for work on data literacy and data science education. The findings invite the field to think critically about how to help teachers develop new aesthetics and to provide data sets in curriculum materials that are suited for classroom use.

Abandoned lands: Toward a critical race pedagogy and framework for content analysis of U.S. history curriculum

In response to the current debate concerning the (in)appropriateness of using Critical Race Theory (CRT) in K-12 education, and critical race theorists’ competing call for CRT to be intentionally used to shape K-12 Social Studies education in particular, this study presents the results of a content analysis which assessed the extent to which, if at all, CRT perspectives were present within, or advanced by, New York State’s official U.S. History curriculum and the Buffalo Public School District’s most recently mandated middle school U.S. History textbook. Findings from this study suggest that while these curricular materials do not constitute a CRT-based approach to Social Studies Education, they do demonstrate the validity, appropriateness, and value of using CRT in Social Studies Education. This article concludes by offering both a CRT-based pedagogical approach and framework for future content analyses of U.S. History curriculum.

Effect of computer simulation and animation-integrated instruction on pre-service science teacher trainees conceptual understanding and retention of Acid-Base Chemistry and Stoichiometry

The study aimed to investigate the effect of computer simulation and animation-integrated instruction on pre-service science teacher trainees' conceptual understanding and retention of acid-base chemistry and stoichiometry. A quantitative approach with a pretest–posttest-delayed test quasi-experimental design was used. In the study area, there were only two sections of first-year trainees in the natural science department. So a comprehensive sampling technique of the two intact sections was employed. The two intact classes were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) and a comparison group (CG). Data was collected using Acid-Base Chemistry and Stoichiometry Conceptual Understanding of a two-tier multiple-choice Test (ABSCUT). Parametric statistics (independent sample t-test and ANCOVA) were used for the data analysis. The independent sample t-test was used for the pre-test analysis to examine the prerequisite experiences of trainees in the two groups and male and female trainees in the IG before the intervention. The result showed no significant difference between the mean score of the CG and IG. The result also showed no significant difference in the mean score of male and female trainees in the IG. The ANCOVA was used for post-test and delayed test analysis after the intervention. The result indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups on conceptual understanding, F (1, 49) =5.07, p=.029, partial eta squared=0.094, in favor of IG. This tends to imply the concepts of the trainees who received the intervention outperformed the comparison group. The ANCOVA result also indicated that gender difference has no statistically significant difference in the IG, F(1,24)=3.68, p=.067. The delayed-test analysis showed that the IG has higher retention than the CG. Based on the results, this study recommended that policymakers, chemistry curriculum experts, chemistry curricular material developers, and practitioners alike consider the application of computer simulation-integrated chemistry instruction to enhance learners’ conceptual understanding and retention.

Influence of Learners’ Environments on Learners’ Literacy Outcomes of Early Years of Education

Learners’ supportive environments have a significant effect on what goes on in the classroom. Supportive learning environments have the greatest impact on learners’ literacy outcomes. Factors such as language policy and interactions in the classroom have a big influence on the learners’ literacy outcomes. The present study investigated a group of grade three learners’ literacy outcomes in lower primary schools in Bungoma central sub-county in relation to the factors that influenced the learning environments of the classroom. The descriptive survey design was used to sample participants in the study. A sample size of 91 participants was involved, consisting of 48 grade three learners, 24 grade three teachers, 12 head teachers, 6 parents, and a sub-county education officer. Simple random sampling was used to sample out grade three teachers, parents, head teachers, and a sub-county education officer. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Unstructured questionnaires were used to investigate the physical design of the classroom and their influence on literacy outcomes among learners in early years of learning in Bungoma Central Sub-County. Findings of the study indicate a negative correlation between learners’ literacy outcome and the physical design of the classroom (class size) (r = 261, p<0.5). Based on this finding, it is recommended that grade three teachers individualize teaching based on assessment results, embrace whole-class curriculum materials, and recognize individual differences. Policies must be established to guarantee that classrooms are conducive to learning and motivate learners to strive for higher academic accomplishment.

Teaching Strategies and How to Study Islamic Religious Education Teaching Materials

The purpose of this research is to provide clarification regarding productive ways to study PAI course content by investigating different teaching styles. This study will employ a qualitative research technique. Research methodologies utilized in this study included investigating current events in their natural environments, especially in cases where the boundaries between the events and their surroundings were blurry. Data reduction, data display, and withdrawal are three essential steps in the data analysis process. To sum up. With the hope that PAI educators would be better equipped to create their own curricular materials in the future, this session will concentrate on the steps involved in making a lesson plan. The use of educator-created resources can boost educators' self-assurance when leading learning activities. As a result, they are more equipped to teach their students the skills and information necessary to develop science and technology in the classroom. The success of the pupils' learning is dependent on how well the learning activities have been going. Analysis, design, development, assessment, and revision are the five main stages in the process of making educational materials.

Future curriculum‐makers: The role of professional experience placements as sites of learning about curriculum‐making for preservice teachers

AbstractThe teaching profession and initial teacher education face ongoing pressures which challenge how teachers' work with curriculum is positioned. Within Australia, recent reviews into initial teacher education have emphasised the need for ‘classroom ready’ graduates with knowledge of ‘proven’ pedagogical approaches. Parallel to this has been increasing push for ‘ready‐made’ curriculum materials to be made available to all teachers for their use in classrooms. This discourse espouses curriculum as a product, positioning preservice teachers as future ‘deliverers’ of prescriptive forms of curriculum and dismissing their future potential as classroom curriculum‐makers who engage with curriculum as a process, and think systematically and critically about their curriculum choices. In this paper, we explore the classroom curriculum‐making experiences of two preservice teachers, and the role of professional experience placements as key sites of learning about curriculum‐making, noting this as a significantly under‐researched theme in existing literature. Our in‐depth exploration of these individual cases highlights the contrasting opportunities these teachers had to engage with curriculum as a process, identifying, enabling and constraining structures within these placements which impact on preservice teachers' development, and future potential, as curriculum‐makers. We contend that the pursuit of Lawrence Stenhouse's vision of curriculum work as an iterative, enquiry process driven by and for teachers rests not only on the way in which initial teacher education frames curriculum work in theory, but also in the way it is modelled to preservice teachers during their professional experience placements.

Re-contextualizing locus of enunciation and linguistic citizenship: a diary analysis of Chinese EFL teachers’ critical intercultural awareness development

ABSTRACT This study navigates the constructive role of English as a foreign language (EFL) as a critical intercultural discourse of locus of enunciation and linguistic citizenship through which teachers in Chinese educational context act as agents of action and social change. Based on a critical discourse analysis of learner diary entries, the study traces the preservice teachers’ development of critical intercultural awareness as a result of learning provided in the course. Findings of this study suggest that relevant EFL teacher education programs should strategically fortify the discursive role of English for contesting hegemonic ideologies in curricular materials and engaging in justice-oriented dialogue through advancing learners’ reflexivity and agency.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ФОРМУВАННЯ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНО-КОМУНІКАЦІЙНОЇКОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ УЧНІВ НА УРОКАХ МАТЕМАТИКИ

To delineate and substantiate the nuances of developing information and communication competence in students during mathematics lessons, we conducted an extensive analysis of state educational regulations, including the Law of Ukraine "On Education," the New Ukrainian School Concept, the Concept of Digital Competence Development, the State Standard of Basic Secondary Education, and mathematics curriculum materials. We also scrutinized sources available on the Internet related to international educational monitoring studies and synthesized both international and domestic pedagogical experience. The study asserts that the formation of information and communication competence in students during mathematics education arises from the demands of the school mathematics curriculum. Mandatory learning outcomes in the mathematical education sector encompass requirements characterizing students' information and communication competence. The process of learning mathematics should facilitate not only the overall development of students' personalities but also the acquisition of a system of mathematical knowledge, improvement of problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the importance of mathematics as the language of science, technology, and innovation. Additionally, students should recognize the significance of information and communication technologies in effectively addressing mathematical challenges. The integrated use of information technologies in the educational process, especially in the context of distance and blended learning, contributes to the development of students' information and communication competence. This is contingent upon the methodically sound selection of educational content, didactic materials, and teaching strategies by educators. It is elucidated that the primary means of cultivating students' information and communication competence lies in the specialized system of educational tasks and examples present in school mathematics textbooks. These materials are designed to foster students' personal qualities, creativity, critical thinking, and their ability to generate and articulate their thoughts.

Inspiring Critical Consciousness: A Case for a Decolonized Journalism Study Abroad Curriculum

This study explores how a study-abroad program that combines journalism best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion with decolonized curricular materials can foster critical consciousness in journalism education. Against the backdrop of a multiethnic world, growing diversity in student demographics, and a recognition of the lack of diversity in newsrooms and news content, journalism education can explore innovative and radical options to equip future journalists. Data analysis of five cohorts of a journalism study abroad in South Africa finds that using such options translates into journalists-in-training producing news content that reflects a critical consciousness about equity, justice, and colonialism.

The foundation of ethical and moral dimensions for Indonesian future

The basic concept of ethics and morality expressed by humans actually originates from the teachings of religion (theology) that view humans as creations of the divine, originating from what is holy. However, the issue of corruption and various forms of ethical and moral violations within the nation pose a significant threat that can destroy the pillars of national integrity in Indonesia, and this must be acknowledged by all Indonesians in order to find solutions to resolve and overcome it. This article is the result of qualitative research that examines the establishment of the ethical and moral dimensions for the future of the Indonesian nation. The data in this research was obtained through a study of literature related to the research theme and analyzed using content analysis. One way to build and maintain the ethics and morality of the Indonesian nation is by developing multicultural education. This will instill nationalism, patriotism, respect for human rights, and democratization. It is crucial to implement this in Indonesia immediately to prevent religious, ethnic, racial, and intergroup conflicts. To prevent various potential conflicts and future terrorism, multicultural education can be implemented starting from the family environment, schools, and society. In this regard, education largely depends on the exemplary behavior of parents at home, teachers at school, religious leaders, and community leaders in their respective communities. This begins with revising the curriculum and teaching materials, ensuring the availability of adequate teaching materials, and enhancing the ability of teachers and lecturers to understand multicultural education.

A critical analysis of course syllabi in teacher preparation: a systems-based approach

ABSTRACT This theoretical paper utilises qualitative research methods to investigate the communication of anti-racist pedagogy in required teacher preparation coursework. Using the two-pronged theoretical framework of Critical Race Theory and White Teacher Identity Studies, the researcher analyses enactments of race-visible pedagogy on course syllabi. The findings report two courses that most clearly communicate anti-racist pedagogical enactments centred on critical thinking about race and power. The discussion evaluates the consistency with which courses across the focus department engage anti-racist instruction, as communicated on curricular materials. The researcher analyses these documents in relation to the focus college’s diversity and inclusion statement and university’s anti-racism statement, exploring critically how anti-racist institutional goals are transformed into substantive action and communicated on course curricula. The researcher argues for a systems-based approach to anti-racist curriculum and offers a critique of course documents as vehicles for reproducing, rather than disrupting, Whiteness in teacher preparation.

Global citizenship education in emergencies: a comparative analysis of curriculum materials for migrant students in Thailand

ABSTRACT Global Citizenship Education (GCE) has increased significantly over the past several decades, though little attention has been paid to GCE in emergency contexts in the Global South. This study seeks to address this gap by comparing how GCE is represented in curriculum materials at public and private schools with migrant and refugee students in emergency contexts on the Thailand/Myanmar border. We employed a modified version of Oxley and Morris’s (2013. “Global Citizenship: A Typology for Distinguishing Its Multiple Conceptions.”) conceptual framework to conduct this mixed-methods study that applied content and critical discourse analysis to curriculum materials to explore how GCE representation differs between school types. Curriculum materials were found to differ significantly by school type and publisher, where internationally produced curriculum materials used in private Migrant Learning Centers (MLCs) were more oriented towards advocacy based GCE and recent global issues compared to those used in Thai Formal Public Schools (TFPS) which were more oriented towards conservative formulations of national Thai citizenship. Findings also suggest that multicultural representations were common, but presented without important sociopolitical context.

PENGIMBASAN PRAKTIK BAIK TENTANG IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM MERDEKA

Implementation is the implementation of a plan that has been prepared or assembled in a thorough and detailed manner. In implementing the independent curriculum, especially at SDN 17 Benteng, there are stages of planning, implementation and evaluation. Where, at the planning stage as a school principal you have to plan by making a coaching schedule for all teachers regarding important materials in the independent curriculum. At the implementation stage, the selected teachers create a learning plan that will be given to their students which consists of a new learning paradigm that focuses on active student learning, strengthening Learning Achievements (CP), and understanding learning material through differentiated teaching modules that are appropriate to student learning material. , as well as understanding in strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5). And at the evaluation stage, the teacher is able to prepare and formulate lessons that will be carried out the next day in each lesson chapter in strengthening the material in each lesson chapter. The Project for Strengthening the Profile of Pancasila Students must first be evaluated by the teacher in order to adjust the needs and characteristics of each student.