Urgent Changes to Be Made in Iran’s Primary Education: Voices from Teachers

Abstract

Highlights One of the main shortcomings of the Iranian educational system is its focus on training students to succeed in different testing/assessment practices. In this regard, primary emphasis is still placed on memorization rather than learning dialogue, collaboration, tolerance, and life expectation for today’s globalized communities. Few voices from Iranian teachers have been heard in international publications. This study collected focused group interviews from 84 Iranian primary school teachers in Tehran, Shiraz, and Yazd. Findings show that the interviewed teachers agreed on the urgent curriculum changes, including English, Law, and Entrepreneurship in the primary teaching. Additionally, the educational focus should be broadened from the current emphasis on assessment from the early years of schooling.