educational challenges

Islamic civilization is one of the major civilizations that has significantly contributed to the development of science and education worldwide. During its golden age, it established educational institutions, fostered scholarly traditions, and produced influential scholars whose ideas continue to shape modern knowledge in the digital era. This article examines the relevance of Islamic civilizational values to the development of modern education through qualitative library research using thematic content analysis. The findings show that Islamic education was distinguished by four interrelated values, namely a strong culture of literacy, the integration of religious and general knowledge, an emphasis on moral formation (akhlak), and openness to knowledge from other civilizations, which together enabled scholars to advance science while upholding ethical and social responsibility. These values are highly relevant to addressing contemporary educational challenges, including declining critical literacy, uncritical dependence on digital technology and artificial intelligence, and the ongoing crisis of learners’ character. These values can inform the development of a modern educational system that integrates critical thinking, digital literacy, character education, and lifelong learning while maintaining moral and social responsibility.

Higher education institutions are expected to continuously evaluate graduate programs to ensure that curricular offerings remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with the evolving demands of professional practice. This study assessed the relevance and applicability of the Master of Arts in Educational Management (MAEM) curriculum of Guagua National Colleges to the current professional work of its graduates and identified areas for curriculum enhancement. Using a quantitative descriptive-comparative research design, data were collected from 33 MAEM graduates through a structured survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and ranking were utilized to analyze quantitative data, while thematic analysis was employed to examine graduates' recommendations. Results revealed that most graduates occupy positions closely related to educational leadership and management, with 87.88% indicating that their present work is highly related or related to educational management. The overall relevance and applicability of the curriculum obtained a very high rating (M = 4.69), while the adequacy of competencies developed through the program received a mean rating of 4.67. Human Resource and Organizational Management emerged as the highest-rated competency area (M = 4.76), whereas Problem-Solving and Evidence-Based Decision-Making obtained the lowest mean rating (M = 4.64), though still interpreted as very high. Graduates recommended strengthening content related to digital leadership, educational technology, artificial intelligence, instructional leadership, research utilization, and experiential learning. Based on these findings, a Responsive MAEM Curriculum Enhancement Framework was proposed. The study concludes that the MAEM curriculum remains highly relevant to current professional requirements but should continuously evolve to address emerging educational challenges and technological advancements.

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest higher education institution (HEI) in Africa. In fact, UNISA is one of the largest and leading open-distance e-learning (ODeL) institutions in the world and is reputable for its commitment to providing increased access to quality education and flexible teaching. Therefore, UNISA presents a unique context for exploring teacher education through flexible learning. To this end, the current research was conducted between February and May of 2025 and explored the role of flexible learning in teacher education at an influential model in the Global South. The rationale for this research was grounded in the need to address educational challenges in Africa through innovative teaching methods. Employing systematic document analysis and governed by the principles of grounded theory in the collection and analysis of data, this study aimed to explore UNISA’s provision of flexible teacher education. The findings revealed that flexible teacher education in Africa is a necessity and a complex undertaking. It is shaped by demographic pressures, economic constraints, historical inequalities, and crisis events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Flexible learning expands access, reduces costs, and offers opportunities for curriculum transformation. Its effectiveness, however, is constrained by systemic challenges, including digital inequalities, resistance to pedagogical change, and limitations in institutional capacity. A key contribution of this research is the development of an emerging theory that reveals that flexible education is a balancing act between expanding access and maintaining quality.

This study examined the coping mechanisms and pedagogical challenges experienced by elementary teachers in utilizing interactive multimedia tools in selected public elementary schools in the Schools Division of Leyte, during School Year 2025–2026. Specifically, it determined the teachers’ demographic and professional profiles, assessed the extent of pedagogical challenges encountered in terms of technological fluency, competence, curriculum and lesson integration, time management, and resource management, and identified the coping mechanisms used to address these challenges. The study also examined whether significant differences existed in the teachers’ assessments when grouped according to their demographic characteristics and determined the relationship between pedagogical challenges and coping mechanisms. A quantitative descriptive-correlational and descriptive-comparative research design was employed, involving the total population of 145 elementary teachers from five selected public schools. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire validated by educational technology experts and analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson product-moment correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that teachers experienced varying degrees of difficulty in integrating interactive multimedia tools, particularly in managing technological demands, aligning digital resources with lessons, allocating preparation time, and addressing limitations in available resources. Despite these challenges, teachers demonstrated adaptive coping practices, particularly through collaboration and peer support, resourcefulness, adaptation, personal reflection, and self-care. The findings further indicated differences in some assessments when respondents were grouped according to selected demographic characteristics, while the relationship between pedagogical challenges and coping mechanisms reflected the teachers’ efforts to adjust to technology-related demands. Based on the findings, enhanced digital-based literacy teaching-learning activities were developed to strengthen teachers’ technological and pedagogical competencies and support more practical, engaging, and sustainable technology integration in elementary classrooms.

This study aimed to determine the challenges encountered by Junior High School teachers of Domalandan Center Integrated School in teaching literature during School Year 2025–2026. It examined the respondents’ profile in terms of highest educational attainment, length of service, seminars attended, and subject taught; the level of challenges in learner-related, teacher-related, resource/material, and institutional/time factors; the relationship between profile and challenges; and proposed intervention measures. Anchored on Constructivism, Social Learning Theory, Cognitive Load Theory, and Schema Theory, and guided by Republic Act 10533 and relevant DepEd policies, the study employed a descriptive-survey design. Fifty Junior High School teachers from various learning areas served as respondents. Data were gathered through a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using frequency count, percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson correlation. Findings showed that most respondents were Bachelor’s degree holders with 6–10 years of teaching experience and moderate seminar participation. Teachers generally Encountered difficulties in teaching literature (overall mean 4.19). Learner-related (4.35) and resource/material (4.25) challenges were Highly Encountered, while teacher-related (4.10) and institutional/time (4.05) challenges were Encountered. Significant relationships were found between length of service and challenges (r = 0.62, p = 0.048) and between seminars attended and challenges (r = 0.71, p = 0.021). The study concludes that teaching experience and professional development influence the perception of instructional difficulties. It recommends targeted training, resource enhancement, learner-centered strategies, and sustained institutional support. The study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by addressing barriers to effective literature instruction. It contributes to educational and institutional sustainability through improved teacher capacity, learner engagement, and resource provision that support long-term quality teaching and learning.

این پژوهش با هدف تعیین چالش‌های پیش‌روی دبیران دوره متوسطه اول مدرسه جامع Domalandan Center در تدریس ادبیات در سال تحصیلی ۲۰۲۵–۲۰۲۶ انجام شد. در این مطالعه، مشخصات پاسخ‌دهندگان از نظر بالاترین مدرک تحصیلی، سابقه خدمت، تعداد سمینارهای گذرانده‌شده و درس تدریسی بررسی شد؛ همچنین سطح چالش‌ها در عوامل مرتبط با یادگیرنده، معلم، منابع/مواد و عوامل نهادی/زمانی، رابطه بین مشخصات و چالش‌ها و اقدامات مداخله‌ای پیشنهادی مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفت. این پژوهش مبتنی بر نظریه‌های سازنده‌گرایی، یادگیری اجتماعی، بار شناختی و طرح‌واره و با راهنمایی قانون جمهوری ۱۰۵۳۳ و سیاست‌های مرتبط DepEd، از طرح پژوهش توصیفی-پیمایشی بهره برد. پنجاه دبیر دوره متوسطه اول از حوزه‌های مختلف یادگیری به عنوان پاسخ‌دهنده شرکت کردند. داده‌ها از طریق پرسشنامه محقق‌ساخته گردآوری و با استفاده از فراوانی، درصد، میانگین وزنی و همبستگی پیرسون تحلیل شد. یافته‌ها نشان داد که اکثر پاسخ‌دهندگان دارای مدرک کارشناسی با ۶ تا ۱۰ سال سابقه تدریس و مشارکت متوسط در سمینارها بودند. به طور کلی، دبیران در تدریس ادبیات با دشواری‌هایی مواجه بودند (میانگین کلی ۴.۱۹). چالش‌های مرتبط با یادگیرنده (۴.۳۵) و منابع/مواد (۴.۲۵) به میزان زیادی تجربه شد، در حالی که چالش‌های مرتبط با معلم (۴.۱۰) و نهادی/زمانی (۴.۰۵) تجربه شد. بین سابقه خدمت و چالش‌ها (r = 0.62, p = 0.048) و بین تعداد سمینارهای گذرانده‌شده و چالش‌ها (r = 0.71, p = 0.021) رابطه معناداری مشاهده شد. پژوهش نتیجه می‌گیرد که تجربه تدریس و توسعه حرفه‌ای بر ادراک دشواری‌های آموزشی تأثیرگذار است. پیشنهاد می‌شود آموزش‌های هدفمند، ارتقای منابع، راهبردهای یادگیرنده‌محور و حمایت نهادی پایدار تقویت شود. این مطالعه با هدف توسعه پایدار ۴ (آموزش با کیفیت) همسو بوده و با رفع موانع تدریس مؤثر ادبیات، به پایداری آموزشی و نهادی از طریق ارتقای توانمندی دبیران، افزایش مشارکت یادگیرندگان و تأمین منابع برای حمایت از آموزش و یادگیری با کیفیت در بلندمدت کمک می‌کند.

Access to post-compulsory education remains highly unequal for socioeconomically vulnerable students. This qualitative case study examines the factors enabling successful educational transitions in a school located in one of Spain's most disadvantaged communities. Through semi-structured interviews with five students from Roma and migrant backgrounds who progressed to post-compulsory education, thematic analysis identified key interconnected success factors. These include a school culture of high expectations, personalised guidance, dialogic practices, extended learning opportunities, strong family-community engagement, and educational role models. Together, these elements transformed student aspirations. The findings offer insights into possible enabling factors, suggesting that integrated, community-based educational approaches may support equitable access to post-compulsory education in highly disadvantaged contexts.

دسترسی به آموزش پس از اجباری برای دانش‌آموزان دارای آسیب‌پذیری اقتصادی-اجتماعی همچنان به‌شدت نابرابر باقی مانده‌است. این مطالعه موردی کیفی به بررسی عوامل تسهیل‌کننده گذار موفقیت‌آمیز آموزشی در مدرسه‌ای واقع در یکی از محروم‌ترین جوامع اسپانیا می‌پردازد. از طریق مصاحبه‌های نیمه‌ساختاریافته با پنج دانش‌آموز با پیشینه‌های روما و مهاجر که به آموزش پس از اجباری راه یافته‌اند، تحلیل تماتیک عوامل کلیدی و به‌هم‌پیوسته موفقیت را شناسایی کرد. این عوامل شامل فرهنگ مدرسه با انتظارات بالا، راهنمایی فردی، شیوه‌های گفت‌وگومحور، فرصت‌های یادگیری گسترده، مشارکت قوی خانواده و جامعه، و الگوهای آموزشی می‌باشند. این عناصر به‌طور مشترک آرمان‌های دانش‌آموزان را متحول کردند. یافته‌ها بینش‌هایی درباره عوامل تسهیل‌کننده احتمالی ارائه می‌دهد و نشان می‌دهد که رویکردهای آموزشی یکپارچه و مبتنی بر جامعه می‌تواند از دسترسی برابر به آموزش پس از اجباری در زمینه‌های بسیار محروم حمایت کند.

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) face significant challenges shaped by forced migration, trauma, legal uncertainty, and systemic barriers in host countries. While education is widely recognised as important for integration, less is known about how educational experiences contribute to UASC wellbeing, safety, belonging, and future opportunities. Drawing on Kohli (2011), the Social Identity Approach to Health (Haslam, Jetten, Postmes, and Haslam 2009; Kёllezi, and Reicher 2012; Herman 1992) trauma recovery theory and human rights framework (UNCRC 1989), this multi-perspective qualitative study explores the role of education in supporting the wellbeing, integration, and success of UASC. The study analysed qualitative interviews with 13 UASC care leavers, 10 foster carers, and 16 education professionals. The analysis identifies four key themes: safety and trust, social connections and belonging, success and resilience and equitable access. The findings highlight that educational establishments can help young people reconstruct ordinary life, and develop psychological stability, social connection, and future opportunities. Simultaneously, exclusionary practices, legal ambiguity, and structural barriers can undermine these processes. The study advances understanding of education as social and institutional contributor to wellbeing, and argues for trauma-informed right-based and inclusive educational practices that support UASC wellbeing and long-term social inclusion.

کودکان پناه‌جوی بدون همراه (UASC) با چالش‌های قابل توجهی مواجه هستند که ناشی از مهاجرت اجباری، تروما، عدم قطعیت حقوقی و موانع نظام‌مند در کشورهای میزبان است. اگرچه آموزش به طور گسترده‌ای به عنوان عاملی مهم برای ادغام اجتماعی شناخته می‌شود، اما کمتر مشخص است که تجربه‌های آموزشی چگونه به بهزیستی، امنیت، احساس تعلق و فرصت‌های آینده UASC کمک می‌کند. با بهره‌گیری از Kohli (2011)، رویکرد هویت اجتماعی به سلامت (Haslam، Jetten، Postmes و Haslam 2009؛ Kёllezi و Reicher 2012؛ Herman 1992)، نظریه بهبود تروما و چارچوب حقوق بشر (UNCRC 1989)، این پژوهش کیفی چند‌دیدگاهی نقش آموزش را در حمایت از بهزیستی، ادغام و موفقیت UASC بررسی می‌کند. این مطالعه مصاحبه‌های کیفی با ۱۳ فرد ترک‌کننده مراقبت UASC، ۱۰ سرپرست خانوادگی و ۱۶ متخصص آموزشی را تحلیل کرده است. تحلیل داده‌ها چهار مضمون کلیدی را شناسایی می‌کند: امنیت و اعتماد، ارتباطات اجتماعی و احساس تعلق، موفقیت و تاب‌آوری و دسترسی عادلانه. یافته‌ها نشان می‌دهد که نهادهای آموزشی می‌توانند به جوانان کمک کنند تا زندگی عادی خود را بازسازی کرده و ثبات روان‌شناختی، ارتباط اجتماعی و فرصت‌های آینده را توسعه دهند. همزمان، رویه‌های طردکننده، ابهام حقوقی و موانع ساختاری می‌تواند این فرایندها را تضعیف کند. این پژوهش فهم آموزش را به عنوان عاملی اجتماعی و نهادی در بهزیستی ارتقا می‌دهد و بر لزوم اتخاذ رویکردهای آموزشی مبتنی بر تروما، حقوق‌محور و فراگیر که از بهزیستی و ادغام اجتماعی بلندمدت UASC حمایت می‌کند، تأکید می‌ورزد.