Identification and Examination of the Desired Characteristics of Integrated Curriculum Elements for Teaching Optimal Water Consumption in Upper Elementary School
Keywords:
Methodology, Claizy, EnvironmentAbstract
Purpose: The objective of this study is to identify and examine the desired characteristics of integrated curriculum elements for teaching optimal water consumption in upper elementary school.
Methodology: To determine these characteristics, a research synthesis method was employed, involving a systematic review of national and international studies from the past 15 years related to optimal water consumption education. The sampling method in this stage was purposive, and the selection criteria included all quantitative and qualitative studies published in Persian and English. To ensure the validity of the coding process, two research supervisors and advisors reviewed, confirmed, and, in some cases, modified the codings. Additionally, Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used to verify reliability, yielding an inter-rater agreement of 0.74. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in curriculum studies, water management, geography, and environmental science, as well as with school administrators, deputy principals, and teachers. The sampling method in this stage was purposive, employing the criterion of exemplary cases, with the sample size determined by data saturation. The interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. To ensure the validity and reliability of this study, Lincoln and Guba’s method was utilized.
Findings: The results of integrating the research synthesis and interview data led to the identification of 11 main themes and 60 sub-themes, which define the desired characteristics of integrated curriculum elements for teaching optimal water consumption.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that teaching optimal water consumption requires an integrated curriculum with specific characteristics, which can be identified through a synthesis of previous research and expert opinions.
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