Change is a constant in education, influencing everything from curriculum development to teaching practices and assessment methods. Primary Education, positioned between Early Childhood and Secondary Education, often becomes the focal point of reform initiatives. This study explores the implementation of system-wide changes in the primary education curriculum, focusing on the Learning Outcomes Framework (LOF) and the resistance encountered by primary educators. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research begins with a comprehensive questionnaire distributed to primary school teachers and leaders, followed by semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including policymakers and educators. Grounded in social constructionism, this study delves into the experiences of educational leaders and teachers as they implement curricular changes. The study examines the origins of outcomes-based education and captures the lived experiences of educators amid these reforms. The mixed-methods approach, involving a questionnaire (n=444) and interviews (n=18), reveals the complexities of resistance and the dynamics of implementing educational reforms. Findings highlight the multifaceted nature of resistance and the factors influencing the adoption of new educational frameworks. While the study is rooted in Malta, its implications are far-reaching, offering significant insights for policymakers, educational leaders, and stakeholders worldwide, in countries which have undergone their own educational transformations. The research contributes to a global understanding of educational reform, proposing a multi-dimensional model for system-wide change applicable to diverse educational contexts.

Authors:
Heathcliff Schembri, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, Malta

About the Presenter(s)
Heathcliff Schembri is Senior Lecturer in Early Years and Inclusive Education at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST).

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathcliffschembri/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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