Teachers' Perceptions of the Implementation of the Five Essential Learning Concepts Proposed in the Catholic Curriculum Reform: A Mixed-Method Study in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstract The study investigated the Perception of teachers about the implementation of the five essential learning concepts (5 ELCs) in the Catholic Curriculum Reforms (CCR) (Character development, environmental sensitivity, social and socio-cultural sensitivity, health and wellbeing and, values norms and mindfulness), the under mixed method approach. The objectives of the study: To examine the understanding of 5 ELCs in CCR, to identify the attitudes of the teachers about 5 ELCs in CCR, To identify the challengers in implementing 5 ELCs in CCR and To propose strategies to overcome challenges connected with the 5 ELCs in CCR. Explanatory sequential design was employed and two hundred and thirty-two teachers of the district of Colombo were Surveyed online under the quantitative approach adopting the Likert scale technique. Besides, focus group interviews were conducted among the mainstream stakeholders. The findings strongly suggested that teacher’s awareness, knowledge, understanding of the purpose and the confidence towards the teaching of the 5 ELCs concepts are positive towards curricula implementation. An in-depth examination of the results revealed more favorable attitude towards character development and environmental sensitivity. On the contrary, the teachers have expressed backward attitude towards the mindfulness, social and socio-cultural sensitivity and health and wellbeing because of the abstraction. The results strongly suggest the existing gaps in teachers’ preparedness while advocating for the well-directed capacity building and professional training programs. The recommendations underscored the flexibility in modular delivery, and professional curricula evaluation for development and improvement. Key words: Perception of the teachers, 5 Essential Learning Concepts, Catholic Curriculum Reforms