Identifying Teaching–Learning Methods for the Affective Education Curriculum in Primary Schools

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Educational Sciences, Az.c, Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Iran.

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to identify and analyse teaching–learning methods suitable for an affective education curriculum in Iranian primary schools, given its links with children’s mental health, social adjustment and academic success. Using conventional content analysis, 18 experts and faculty members in curriculum studies, educational management, psychology and related fields were selected through purposive maximum-variation sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted and analysed inductively; trustworthiness was supported by Lincoln and Guba’s criteria. Results generated the core category of “interactive and affective learning” with five categories: experiential learning (role-play, emotional games, empathy workshops), interactive strategies (storytelling, moral dialogue, arts-based activities), cooperative learning (group projects, peer-led activities), innovative and blended methods (educational technology, multimedia tools, blended learning), and teacher empowerment (emotional self-awareness, emotion regulation, role modelling). The study underscores the need to systematically integrate affective education into Iran’s primary curriculum through a multidimensional, culturally grounded framework, alongside localised programmes and sustained teacher development to implement interactive and technology-enhanced approaches that strengthen students’ emotional and social competencies while supporting academic learning.

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