teacher challenges

The educational inclusion of students with Down syndrome requires support systems capable of addressing diversity without replacing the student's own participation or shifting the pedagogical responsibility away from the classroom teacher. This study aimed to interpret the experiences of shadow teachers in providing inclusive educational support to students with Down syndrome in General Basic Education, within the framework of the university outreach project "El nuevo desafío de la inclusión universitaria: estrategias de refuerzo académico para jóvenes con diversidad funcional (discapacidad)". The research employed a qualitative approach, grounded in an interpretive paradigm and a hermeneutic-phenomenological design. Three shadow teachers (MSA1, MSW2, and MSB3) participated, selected through purposive, criterion-based non-probability sampling. Data were collected through individual, asynchronous semi-structured interviews via WhatsApp and analyzed using initial and analytical coding, alongside interpretive memos. Thematic sufficiency was assessed across the entire dataset. The participants' experiences were then compared and triangulated with the theoretical framework. The analysis yielded eight thematic axes: the value of the experience; the reality of educational inclusion; methodology and strategies; the role of the shadow teacher; challenges in providing support; support and collaboration networks; vocation and motivation; and proposals for improvement. The experiences analyzed suggest that this support functions as a mediating pedagogical practice that fosters student autonomy, the adaptation of strategies, and collaboration between families and teachers, though challenges persist regarding resources, teacher training, school pacing, and time constraints.

Although Kurikulum Merdeka promotes flexible, student-centered learning, the implementation of Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) instruction in elementary schools continues to face various challenges. This study aimed to describe the challenges in implementing IPAS instruction under Kurikulum Merdeka in Grade V at SD Negeri 005 Desa Baru, Kampar Regency. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving two fifth-grade teachers and six purposively selected students. Three students had IPAS scores above 75, and three had scores below 75. Data were collected through nonparticipant observation, structured interviews, and documentation and analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data trustworthiness was assessed through triangulation of sources and data collection techniques. The findings identified three domains of challenges related to students, teachers, and learning assessment. Student-related challenges were the most prominent, including differences in understanding, declining attention after approximately 15–20 minutes of lecturing, interest that depended on the type of activity, uneven participation, dependence on external motivation, inconsistent task management, and varying levels of learning readiness. Teacher-related challenges included the breadth of integrated science and social studies content and classroom management during group activities. Assessment involved oral quizzes and student worksheets, supplemented by remedial instruction and enrichment. Achievement scores ranged from 60 to 96, with a mastery threshold of 75. These findings underscore the need for differentiated instruction, concrete and contextually relevant instructional media, clearly assigned group roles, time management, and the use of assessment results to improve instruction. This study provides a contextual account of challenges in IPAS instruction and the need to adapt fifth-grade teaching practices. Its restriction to one school and a focused observation period highlights the need for further research covering more lessons and IPAS topics.

This study examined the challenges and opportunities experienced by elementary teachers in the new normal education in the Third Congressional District of the Schools Division of Iloilo, Philippines, during the school year 2021–2022, as a basis for developing an instructional training program. Anchored on the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) framework, the study employed a descriptive-correlational research design involving 60 elementary teachers. Data were collected using a researcher-modified questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman rho correlation. Findings revealed that teachers experienced a moderately challenging level of difficulties (M = 2.68), primarily involving limited internet connectivity, health safety concerns, insufficient technological devices, and financial constraints. Conversely, respondents reported a high level of opportunities (M = 3.85), particularly in professional learning, personal development, technological adaptation, and learner engagement. No significant differences were found in challenges and opportunities when respondents were classified according to age, sex, and civil status. However, a significant negative relationship was established between challenges and opportunities (rs = −0.453, p < 0.001), indicating that greater challenges were associated with fewer perceived opportunities. Based on these findings, a five-day instructional training program focusing on technological competencies and digital instructional applications was proposed. The study supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by emphasizing teacher professional development and inclusive instructional practices, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through educational technology integration. Its sustainability implications highlight the importance of continuous professional development, institutional technical assistance, and adaptable instructional strategies in strengthening educational resilience and sustaining quality elementary education.

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the motivations and challenges of Filipino science teachers in selected schools in the Central Region of Thailand. It sought to understand the factors driving their decision to teach abroad and the obstacles encountered in their professional journey. Using Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method and MAXQDA24 for data analysis, interviews with eight participants revealed five key themes: (1) Personal Motivation and Commitment, including financial stability, professional growth, and cultural pride; (2) Teaching Environment and Support, emphasizing resources, training, and teacher-student relationships; (3) Cultural and Language Adaptation, focusing on linguistic barriers and cultural immersion; (4) Working Environment and Support Systems, including recognition and collaboration; and (5) Teaching and Cultural Challenges, such as limited academic freedom and classroom management. Despite these challenges, participants showed resilience, using creative strategies to succeed in a foreign educational system. The findings highlight the importance of institutional support and cultural adaptation in cross-cultural teaching, providing insights for policymakers and administrators to enhance teacher retention and professional development. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics of international teaching and offers actionable recommendations to support Filipino science teachers in Thailand and similar contexts.

این مطالعه کیفی پدیدارشناختی به بررسی انگیزه‌ها و چالش‌های معلمان علوم فیلیپینی در مدارس منتخب منطقه مرکزی تایلند پرداخت. هدف پژوهش، درک عوامل مؤثر بر تصمیم آنان برای تدریس در خارج از کشور و موانعی بود که در مسیر حرفه‌ای خود با آن مواجه شده‌اند. با بهره‌گیری از روش پدیدارشناسی توصیفی Colaizzi و نرم‌افزار MAXQDA24 برای تحلیل داده‌ها، مصاحبه با هشت شرکت‌کننده پنج مضمون کلیدی را آشکار ساخت: (۱) انگیزه و تعهد شخصی، شامل ثبات مالی، رشد حرفه‌ای و افتخار فرهنگی؛ (۲) محیط تدریس و حمایت، با تأکید بر منابع، آموزش و روابط معلم-دانش‌آموز؛ (۳) سازگاری فرهنگی و زبانی، با تمرکز بر موانع زبانی و غوطه‌وری فرهنگی؛ (۴) محیط کاری و نظام‌های حمایتی، شامل شناسایی و همکاری؛ و (۵) چالش‌های تدریس و فرهنگی، مانند آزادی علمی محدود و مدیریت کلاس. با وجود این چالش‌ها، شرکت‌کنندگان تاب‌آوری نشان دادند و با بهره‌گیری از راهبردهای خلاقانه در نظام آموزشی بیگانه موفق شدند. یافته‌ها بر اهمیت حمایت نهادی و سازگاری فرهنگی در تدریس بین‌فرهنگی تأکید می‌کند و بینش‌هایی برای سیاست‌گذاران و مدیران به منظور ارتقای ماندگاری معلمان و توسعه حرفه‌ای ارائه می‌دهد. این پژوهش به فهم پویایی‌های تدریس بین‌المللی کمک می‌کند و توصیه‌های عملی برای حمایت از معلمان علوم فیلیپینی در تایلند و زمینه‌های مشابه ارائه می‌دهد.

This study determined the impact of classroom management techniques on the academic performance of Grade 6 learners in public elementary schools in San Fabian, District II, Division of Pangasinan II during School Year 2024–2025. Specifically, it examined the level of impact of teacher-centered, student-centered, acceptance, assertive, behavior modification, and success classroom management techniques; determined whether there was a significant difference between the perceptions of teachers and school heads; identified the problems encountered by teachers; and proposed a plan of action to improve classroom management. The study employed a descriptive research design using a questionnaire as the primary data-gathering instrument. The respondents consisted of forty-six (46) Grade 6 teachers and fifteen (15) school heads from fifteen (15) public elementary schools. Findings revealed that the different classroom management techniques had a high level of impact on the academic performance of Grade 6 learners. No significant difference was found between the perceptions of teachers and school heads, indicating that their perceptions were generally similar. The most serious problems encountered by teachers included difficulty in integrating learning competencies, difficulty in using appropriate instructional strategies for multilevel groups, and learner absenteeism. Based on the findings, a plan of action was designed to improve the implementation of classroom management techniques and support the academic performance of Grade 6 learners.

این پژوهش تأثیر فنون مدیریت کلاس را بر عملکرد تحصیلی دانش‌آموزان پایه ششم در مدارس ابتدایی دولتی منطقه دوم سن فابیان، ناحیه دوم پانگاسینان در سال تحصیلی ۲۰۲۴–۲۰۲۵ تعیین کرد. به طور خاص، سطح تأثیر فنون مدیریت کلاس معلم‌محور، دانش‌آموزمحور، پذیرشی، قاطعانه، اصلاح رفتار و موفقیت را بررسی نمود؛ وجود تفاوت معنادار بین ادراکات معلمان و مدیران مدارس را تعیین کرد؛ مشکلاتی که معلمان با آن مواجه بودند را شناسایی نمود؛ و برنامه عملی برای بهبود مدیریت کلاس پیشنهاد داد. این پژوهش از طرح پژوهش توصیفی با استفاده از پرسشنامه به عنوان ابزار اصلی گردآوری داده‌ها بهره برد. پاسخ‌دهندگان شامل چهل‌وشش (۴۶) معلم پایه ششم و پانزده (۱۵) مدیر مدرسه از پانزده (۱۵) مدرسه ابتدایی دولتی بودند. یافته‌ها نشان داد که فنون مختلف مدیریت کلاس تأثیر بالایی بر عملکرد تحصیلی دانش‌آموزان پایه ششم دارند. تفاوت معناداری بین ادراکات معلمان و مدیران مدارس مشاهده نشد و این امر نشان‌دهنده شباهت کلی دیدگاه‌های آنان بود. جدی‌ترین مشکلات گزارش‌شده توسط معلمان شامل دشواری در ادغام شایستگی‌های یادگیری، دشواری در استفاده از راهبردهای آموزشی مناسب برای گروه‌های چندسطحی و غیبت دانش‌آموزان بود. بر اساس یافته‌ها، برنامه عملی برای بهبود اجرای فنون مدیریت کلاس و حمایت از عملکرد تحصیلی دانش‌آموزان پایه ششم طراحی شد.

Large class sizes pose significant challenges to the quality of teaching and learning, although previous studies have examined the effects of large class sizes on teaching and learning outcomes, relatively few studies have been given to the pedagogical strategies that can mitigate these challenges and enhance educational quality. This study therefore investigated the effects of large class sizes on the quality of teaching and learning and explored pedagogical strategies that can be employed to improve instructional effectiveness in such contexts. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study:(1) What are the challenges faced by teachers in handling large class sizes and their effects? (2) What pedagogies could be employed to improve the quality of teaching and learning in large classes? A qualitative research method was employed, and a purposive sampling approach was used to arrive at 38 respondents. Primary data were gathered through focus group discussions and personal interviews. The findings highlighted significant issues faced by teachers, such as difficulties in providing individualised attention, proper assessments, several assignments, timely feedback, and good classroom control and management. These challenges hinder academic progress and contribute to poor student performance. To address these issues and enhance the quality of teaching and learning, the findings further revealed several strategies, including peer teaching and marking, group studies, collaborative teaching, field trips, and the use of projectors. The study also emphasises the importance of professional development training programs for in-service teachers to improve their teaching methodologies and confidence in managing large classes. The study concludes that these methods reduce teacher workload and improve the overall learning experience. The study recommends that the Ghana Education Service should encourage teachers to employ these teaching strategies in large classes to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

کلاس‌های پرجمعیت چالش‌های قابل توجهی برای کیفیت آموزش و یادگیری ایجاد می‌کنند. اگرچه پژوهش‌های پیشین به بررسی اثرات کلاس‌های پرجمعیت بر پیامدهای آموزش و یادگیری پرداخته‌اند، اما مطالعات نسبتاً اندکی به راهبردهای آموزشی که می‌توانند این چالش‌ها را کاهش داده و کیفیت آموزشی را ارتقا دهند، اختصاص یافته است. بنابراین، این پژوهش به بررسی اثرات کلاس‌های پرجمعیت بر کیفیت آموزش و یادگیری پرداخته و راهبردهای آموزشی قابل استفاده برای بهبود اثربخشی تدریس در چنین زمینه‌هایی را مورد بررسی قرار داده است. دو سؤال پژوهشی برای هدایت مطالعه تدوین شد: (۱) چالش‌هایی که معلمان در مدیریت کلاس‌های پرجمعیت با آن مواجه هستند و اثرات آن‌ها چیست؟ (۲) چه روش‌های آموزشی می‌توانند برای بهبود کیفیت آموزش و یادگیری در کلاس‌های پرجمعیت به کار گرفته شوند؟ این پژوهش از روش کیفی بهره برد و با استفاده از نمونه‌گیری هدفمند، ۳۸ نفر به عنوان پاسخ‌دهنده انتخاب شدند. داده‌های اولیه از طریق بحث‌های گروهی متمرکز و مصاحبه‌های فردی گردآوری شد. یافته‌ها مسائل مهمی را که معلمان با آن مواجه هستند، از جمله دشواری در ارائه توجه فردی، ارزیابی مناسب، تکالیف متعدد، بازخورد به موقع و کنترل و مدیریت مطلوب کلاس را برجسته ساخت. این چالش‌ها پیشرفت تحصیلی را مختل کرده و به عملکرد ضعیف دانش‌آموزان منجر می‌شوند. برای رفع این مسائل و ارتقای کیفیت آموزش و یادگیری، یافته‌ها راهبردهای متعددی از جمله آموزش و تصحیح همتایان، مطالعات گروهی، تدریس مشارکتی، بازدیدهای میدانی و استفاده از پروژکتور را نشان دادند. همچنین پژوهش بر اهمیت برنامه‌های آموزش حرفه‌ای برای معلمان شاغل جهت بهبود روش‌های تدریس و افزایش اعتماد به نفس در مدیریت کلاس‌های پرجمعیت تأکید می‌کند. نتیجه‌گیری پژوهش آن است که این روش‌ها بار کاری معلمان را کاهش داده و تجربه کلی یادگیری را بهبود می‌بخشند. پژوهش توصیه می‌کند که سرویس آموزش غنا معلمان را به استفاده از این راهبردهای تدریس در کلاس‌های پرجمعیت برای ارتقای کیفیت آموزش و یادگیری تشویق کند.