Analysis of Educational Challenges for Science Teachers and Solutions with Emphasis on the Role of the Teacher
Keywords:
Educational challenges, science teachers, teacher’s role, educationAbstract
Purpose: This study aims to identify the educational challenges faced by science teachers in the secondary education system of Iraq.
Methods and Materials: This study employs a qualitative research approach and using content analysis with an inductive methodology. The research environment included science teachers, science subject group leaders, and curriculum developers who were selected through purposive sampling based on specific criteria. The primary data collection tool was semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached, with a total of 23 participants.
Findings: The initial coding led to the identification of five subcategories of challenges faced by teachers: skills, knowledge, ethical characteristics, attitudes, and abilities. Based on these challenges, corresponding solutions emerged.
Conclusion: In light of the findings, it is recommended that to overcome the identified educational problems in science education, all aspects highlighted in this study should be reviewed, and necessary reforms should be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of science education, with a particular emphasis on the role of the teacher.
Downloads
References
Abdollahi, B., Sadin, A. a., NavehebSrahim, a., & abassiyan, h. (2022). Designing a professional development model for faculty at Farhangian University with a grounded theoretical approach and a mixed exploratory paradigm. ieaajournal, 11(2), 41-83. https://doi.org/10.52547/meo.11.2.41
Ahmadi, P., Mehran, G., & Javadi, M. (2012). The process of changing the curriculum of experimental sciences of the elementary school from 1373 to 1391. The national conference of changing the curriculum of education courses,
Arbid, S. S. E., & Tairab, H. H. (2020). Science Teachers' Views about Inclusion of Socio-Scientific Issues in UAE Science Curriculum and Teaching. International Journal of Instruction, 13(2), 733-748. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13250a
Conradty, C., & Bogner, F. X. (2020). STEAM teaching professional development works: effects on students’ creativity and motivation. Smart Learning Environments, 7(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-020-00132-9
Danckwardt-Lilliestrom, K., Andree, M., & Enghag, M. (2018). Creative drama in chemistry education: a social semiotic approach. Nordic Studies in Science Education, 14(3), 250-266. https://doi.org/10.5617/nordina.5869
Dasdemir, I., & Doymus, K. (2012). The effect of using animation on primary science and technology course students' academic achievement, retention of knowledge and scientific process skills. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 2(3), 33-42. https://doi.org/10.14527/C2S3M4
Erfani, N., & Aminimofrad, M. (2020). Examination of Solutions for Professional Development of Elementary School Teachers in Lalegin. Teacher Professional Development, 5(1), 41-57. https://tpdevelopment.cfu.ac.ir/article_1377_25a3eb0e81396eae7c66a804a7c2c9b7.pdf
Gholampour, M., pourshafei, h., Farasatkhah, M., & Ayati, m. (2020). Components of Teachers’ Professional Ethics: A Systematic Review Based on Wright’s Model. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 15(58), 145-174. https://www.jcsicsa.ir/article_109377.html
https://www.jcsicsa.ir/article_109377_4d6abb7fa1187f64edb43b332577aed9.pdf
Hosseini, M., Tehranian, A., Behzadi, M. H., & Alem al-Hoda, S. H. (2022). Examining the Relationship Between Teachers' Skills in Qualitative Evaluation of Mathematics, Math Anxiety, Academic Procrastination, and Students' Thinking Styles. Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Journal, 65(2), 870-884. https://mjms.mums.ac.ir/article_22443.html
Jabarooti, N., & Bagherimajd, R. (2023). Canonical analysis of lifelong learning on teachers' professional development. Journal of Educational Sciences, 30(1), 127-144. https://doi.org/10.22055/edus.2022.42154.3399
Karakuyu, Y., & Can, O. (2020). Investigation of primary school teachers' opinion about revised 3rd grade science curriculum in Turkey. Educational Research and Reviews, 15(4), 203-209. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1252663
Kashanian, S., Mahmoudi, M., Sadeghlou, A., & Masouminejad, R. (2021). An Examination of the Features of Teaching Methods in the National Science Curriculum for Primary Education in the Educational Systems of Iran and England: A Comparative Study. Journal of Research in Science Education, 1(2), 70-87. https://jrese.cfu.ac.ir/article_2294.html?lang=en
Kudusheva, N., & Amanova, I. (2022). The Development of Individual Self-Efficiency among University Students. Cypriot Journal of Educational Science, 17(2), 6857. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i2.6857
Lashari, S. A., Kaur, A., & Awang-Hashim, R. (2018). Home Away from Home-The Role of Social Support for International Students' Adjustment. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 15(2), 33-54. https://doi.org/10.32890/mjli2018.15.2.2
Li, K., Zhao, J. F., & Kang, Q. (2022). Academician Wen-Rui Hu - Eminent Pioneer and Prominent Leader of Microgravity Science in China. Microgravity Science and Technology, 34(19). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-022-09934-7
Maddukelleng, M., Jihan, J., Gunawan, H., Murcahyanto, H., & Pasaribu, W. (2023). Hybrid Learning Innovation: Challenges for Developing Teachers Skills in Indonesia. Al Qalam: Jurnal Ilmiah Keagamaan Dan Kemasyarakatan, 17(2), 842-854. https://www.jurnal.stiq-amuntai.ac.id/index.php/al-qalam/article/view/1959
Majoni, C. (2017). Assessing the effectiveness of micro teaching during teacher preparation. European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Sciences, 5, 31-36. http://www.idpublications.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Full-Paper-ASSESSING-THE-EFFECTIVENESS-OF-MICROTEACHING-DURING-TEACHER-PREPARATION.pdf
Mehrvarz, M., Moradi, M., & Abdoli, S. (2012). Comparison of the effect of educational method based on Dick and Kerry educational design model and Ganyeh educational design model on students' motivation and learning. Iranian Journal of Curriculum Studies, 3(2), 73-93. https://jcr.shirazu.ac.ir/article_2974.html
Popova, A., Evans, David K, Breeding, Mary E, Arancibia, Violeta. (2021). Teacher Professional Development around the World: The Gap between Evidence and Practice. The World Bank Research Observer, 37(1), 107-136. https://doi.org/10.1093/wbro/lkab006
Reeve, J., & Lee, W. (2014). Students' classroom engagement produces longitudinal changes in classroom motivation. Journal of Educational Psychology, 106(2), 527-540. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034934
Russell, W., & Qiu, H. (2024). The Dynamics of Parent-Teacher Relationships and Their Impact on Student Success [Research Article]. Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology, 7(1), 212-218. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.ijes.7.1.21
Şahin, A., Soylu, D., & Jafari, M. (2024). Professional Development Needs of Teachers in Rural Schools [Research Article]. Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology, 7(1), 219-225. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.ijes.7.1.22
Salman Al-Oda, A. H., Sadeghi, M., Al-Murshidi, R. H. A., & Sharifi, S. (2024). Investigating the Relationship Between Talent Management Implementation Categories in the Basra Province Education Organization [Research Article]. Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology, 7(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.ijes.7.1.1
Samadi, A. (2018). Basics of teaching experimental sciences in elementary school. University Research.
Shariati, F., Niazazari, K., & Jabbary, N. (2024). Presenting a Model for Virtual Education Considering Educational Equity with a Phenomenological Approach in Schools of Golestan Province [Research Article]. Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology, 7(1), 66-78. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.ijes.7.1.7
Sonmez, O., & Kılıcoglu, G. (2016). Social studies education programs in terms of assessment (1924-2005). Turkish Scientific Researches Journal, 1(1), 36-49. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/955258
Sotoudeh Moghadam, M., Cherabin, M., Akbari, A., & Zendedel, A. (2024). Designing the Policy Model of In-Service Training Suitable for the Professional Development of Teachers [Research Article]. Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology, 7(1), 166-178. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.ijes.7.1.16
Tay, B., & Bas, M. (2015). Comparison of 2009 and 2015 Life Science course curricula. Bayburt University Journal of Education, 10(52), 341-374. https://scholar.google.com.tr/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=tr&user=MKGCbOMAAAAJ&citation_for_view=MKGCbOMAAAAJ:1Lk_dUza_R0C
Yildiz, E. (2021). Developing Knowledge and Skills of Prospective Science Teachers on Teaching Strategies, Models, Methods and Techniques: An Action Research. International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, 13(1), 794-815. https://ijci.net/index.php/IJCI/article/view/612
Zorlu, F., & Sezek, F. (2019). Effectiveness of Applying the Learning Together Method at Different Intervals in Teaching Science. Acta Didactica Napocensia, 12(2), 195-208. https://doi.org/10.24193/adn.12.2.15
Zorlu, F., Zorlu, Y., Sezek, F., & Akkus, H. (2014). Secondary eighth graders' scores of scientific process skills and their relationship with the scores of their placement test results. Journal of EKEV Academy, 59(59), 519-532. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315755776_Secondary_Eighth_Graders%27_The_Scores_of_Scientific_Process_Skills_and_Their_Relationship_with_The_Scores_of_Theirs_Placement_Test_Result
Downloads
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Abd Ali Hossein Amir Al-Abidi, Badri Shah Talebi, Mehdi Hattab Sakhi Atabi, Mahboobeh Sadat Fadavi (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
