Assessment of Perspectives on Social Sciences Curriculum Implementation in Teacher Education Institutions During COVID-19 Pandemic, Lao PDR

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to: (1) assess perspectives on curriculum implementation, (2) evaluate perceptions of emerging problems related to curriculum implementation, and (3) explore views on the feasibility and guidelines for curriculum implementation in social sciences, as well as the management of teaching and learning, including online classes, in Teacher Education Institutions in Lao PDR. The target group consisted of 179 participants, including administrators, teachers, and student teachers. The research tools included a questionnaire, which was used to analyze percentages, means, and standard deviations, and an interview, which applied content analysis. The results revealed that teaching and learning management was based on the curriculum for Teacher Education established by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teaching and learning were shifted to an online format, and teachers adapted to the “new normal” mode. The study also identified several challenges faced by student teachers during this period, which hindered the improvement of teaching and learning quality. Therefore, enhancing the curriculum with a stronger focus on online learning is crucial. Improving lesson content to be clearer and easier to understand, including the use of photos and videos, is necessary. The study also suggested that teachers should pay attention to students' physical presence, engagement, and participation during teaching and learning activities.