A Reflection on the implementation of geography pedagogical content knowledge courses at Farhangian University

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Geography Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Geography Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Pedagogical content knowledge is a combination of subject matter knowledge and pedagogical knowledge that enables teachers to teach specialized content to students in an understandable and effective way. In 2016, Farhangian University designed and implemented a new geography teacher education program with an emphasis on pedagogical content knowledge. This research aimed to investigate the implementation of geography content pedagogical knowledge courses. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and phenomenological methodology. The study population included administrators, faculty members, and geography student-teachers at Farhangian University campuses in Isfahan, Alborz, and South Khorasan provinces who participated in the program from 2020 to 2024. Purposeful sampling was used, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA2019 software. The validity of the findings was examined through participant review and re-coding by the researchers. As a result, 79 key statements were extracted from the interviews and categorized into 19 Constructive themes of the second level
and 4 Constructive themes of the first level (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), which were then analyzed and discussed. Strengthening the structure of the geography education department and expanding its connections with scientific institutions inside and outside the country, enhancing the academic competence of faculty members, informing student-teachers about the importance of the subject, utilizing modern technologies, and establishing graduate programs in geography education were identified as the most important strategies for improving the quality of geography pedagogy at Farhangian University.

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References

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Journal of Curriculum Research
Volume 15, Issue 2
March 2026
Pages 92-73

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 18 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 30 November 2025

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