A Phenomenological Study of the Relationship Between Teachers’ Instructional Methods and Curriculum Content: Mathematics, Science, and Art in Lower Secondary Schools of District 3, Tehran
Keywords:
Phenomenology, Curriculum, Instructional Methods, Mathematics, Science, ArtAbstract
This study aims to phenomenologically explicate the relationship between teachers’ instructional methods and the epistemological nature of curriculum content in mathematics, science, and art. Using an interpretive phenomenological design, twenty lower secondary teachers of mathematics, science, and art from District 3 of Tehran were purposively selected; data were collected through semi-structured interviews and reflective teaching journals and analyzed via phenomenological thematic analysis. Findings indicate that epistemological misalignment between content and method results in superficial learning and reduced motivation, whereas alignment enhances meaningful learning, active engagement, and deeper understanding. Improving instructional quality requires epistemological reflection in pedagogical choices, curricular flexibility, and supportive structural conditions aligned with subject matter.
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