Teachers’ difficulties in implementing thematic teaching and learning in elementary schools

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify teachers’ difficulties in implementing thematic learning in elementary schools. The study was phenomenology-type qualitative research. Data were collected through interviews followed by focus group discussion; the focus group discussion involved 15 elementary school teachers from eight provinces that had implemented Curriculum 2013. The data were analyzed by means of Cresswell’s steps. The results of the study showed that teachers encountered obstacles in selecting appropriate problems and themes within thematic, scientific and problem-based learning and in managing time for project-based learning. The availability of learning facilities was still limited. The problems found at the assessment stage was the teachers’ capacity in selecting appropriate techniques, in creating good instruments and in formulating clear assessment criteria.