Thematic Analysis of Teachers’ Opinion about Primary Level Mathematics Single National Curriculum in Pakistan

Abstract

The government of Pakistan introduced the Single National Curriculum (SNC) in 2020 to decrease disparities between various streams of the curriculum in the country and it was adopted at the primary level in the same year. However, the effectiveness of a single national curriculum depends upon two main factors; the content presented in the curriculum in the light of international standards and how primary school teachers view this curriculum in the prevailing situation. A qualitative research design based on interviews was used in this research to investigate the opinion of primary school teachers about the quality of mathematics content in SNC at primary level. Through purposive sampling technique, primary school teachers from the schools which lie in 4^th quartile regarding performance in Sargodha city (15 from government schools and 10 from private schools) were selected. Finding of the research showed that content presented in single National curriculum-based book, are more interactive and aligned with set aims and goals of nationwide curriculum and also following more international standards as compare to old PTB mathematics book. Further, thematic analysis of teachers’ view showed their appreciation towards government’s effort for equitable education. However, the government school teachers’ competencies to teach this mathematics curriculum is yet another challenge that needs to be addressed seriously. It was suggested that a rigorous and well-planned teachers’ training program and series of refresher courses should be initiated to enhance the teacher’s pedagogical skills and content knowledge to enhance the effectiveness of mathematics SNC.