Developing and Validating a Curriculum Model Based on the Elements of the Shahab Plan (Case Study: Elementary School Students)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a curriculum model based on the elements of the Shahab Plan for elementary school students. Methodology: This exploratory mixed-methods research included both qualitative and quantitative phases. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with 19 experts were conducted using purposive sampling. In the quantitative phase, data were collected from 291 elementary school teachers in Tehran using a 77-item researcher-made questionnaire. Thematic content analysis was performed with MaxQDA software for qualitative data, while SPSS and SmartPLS were used for descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling, respectively. Findings: The results identified four key curriculum elements: goals, content, teaching methods, and evaluation. Each element comprised multiple components and indicators. The proposed model's external validity was confirmed through expert review and one-sample t-tests. Internal validity was validated using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Fit indices such as R², GOF, and Q² demonstrated the model's suitability and strong predictive power. Conclusion: This curriculum model effectively supports the design of responsive, efficient educational programs tailored to student needs. It enhances teaching quality, fosters creativity and critical thinking, and promotes student engagement in learning. The model is also adaptable for use at other educational levels and in different curriculum planning contexts.