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7; 2019

A Teachers Perception on Localization of Curriculum with Emphasis on

Social Studies Lesson
Shiva Jalayeri Laeen1, Mohsen Ayati2, Hossein Jafari Sani3 & Mohammad Akbari Booreng4
1
Ph.D. Student in Curriculum Studies, Educational Science Department, University of Birjand.
2
Associate Professor, Educational Science Department, University of Birjand.
3
Associate Professor, Curriculum Studies Department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM).
4
Assistant Professor of Curriculum Studies, Educational Science Department, University of Birjand.
Correspondence: Mohsen Ayati, Associate Professor, Educational Science Department, University of Birjand. E-mail:
[email protected]

Received: July 17, 2019 Accepted: October 10, 2019 Online Published: October 28, 2019
doi:10.5430/ijhe.v8n7p84 URL: https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v8n7p84

Abstract
The aim of this study understands teacher perceptions of the localization of curriculum of primary school. on the social
Study Lessons. The methodological approach of this study is to investigate phenomenology as a qualitative method.
The potential contributors were the native teachers of the Kalat city (Laeenno) in the 1397 which 19 participant were
selected. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews and were analyzed by Glaserian seven phases. Reliability
was achieved through three criteria: being acceptable, being trustful and verifiability. The findings show that the
current performance of students end up in lack of incentive, leaving school, shallow learning, the inefficiency of
current performance of teachers, interruptions in communication, One-way interaction, and the challenges of
localization is denial of the cultural diversity of politicians, non-native content (centralized knowledge), Lack of
in-service courses, the time challenge, recruiting non-native teachers, the lack of comprehensive studies of
sub-cultivated areas, immigration, executive challenge, School space and lack of a template from native syllables, and
the consequences of localization for teachers is contentment of teaching, Creating and improving communication and
promoting native culture, and the consequences of localizing for students is: protecting from native culture, Creating a
motivation to learn and absorb and stay in the classroom and school. Finally, teachers' strategies about localization of
Klein’s nine elements in the curriculum of social studies were identified.
Keywords: phenomenology, lived experienced, teachers, localization of curriculum, social studies
1. Introduction
Globalization is a key concept in human rights, however, some researchers have challenged this concept. These
criticisms remind us of the asymmetric power relations and the point that human rights, cultural diversity, justice, and
injustice should be considered in the curriculum (Osler, 2015). Australia, Canada and the United States (Alismail, 2016;
Muchenje & Heeralal, 2016), Taiwan (Wang & Ho, 2012), China (Jiafang, 2013; Daishu, 2009), Turkey (Cirik, 2014),
South Korea (Denis, 2011) and Norway (Sarraj, Bene & Burley, 2015) are trying to help these challenges by
strengthening national and local concepts. Localization demands the dissemination, adaptation and growth of the
paradigm of knowledge, technology, behavioral norms, cultural and local values in a specific situation and a response
to the phenomenon of globalization (Moradipour, 2017). Location-based curriculum designing investigates how local
region capacities and resources are used as the motivator and source of inspiration of curriculum, and seeks the
methods of making meaningful learning experiences more enriched in the geography, history, culture, and individuals
in their local region. In the local curriculum, elements are organized on the basis of local culture identities and activities
are predicted to realize these goals (Mulla and Adib, 2017). The local curriculum considers developing students' skills,
knowledge, abilities, and attitudes in a meaningful and relevant context (Haji Tabar Firouzajaie & Mir Arab Razi,
2017).
Theories by Cheng (2004) show what policy the educational systems can adopt in relation to localization. In Tree
Theory, knowledge is rooted in local values and traditions (Shekari and Mazdaie, 2009). In Crystal Theory (Haji Tabar
Firouzajaie & Mir Arab Razi, 2017), the design of national and local curricula is related and aligned with the global
knowledge (Cheng, 2000). In the Theory of Birdcage (Moradipour, 2017), traditions and local elements should be
placed as the bases in the training principles (Nasrabadi et al., 2013). In the Theory of Fungus China (Jiafang, 2013;

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Daishu, 2009), Turkey (Cirik, 2014), global knowledge must remove the needs of local people. Finally, according to
the Theory of Amoeba Mulla and Adib, 2017), the growth and development of local knowledge depends on the useful
use of global knowledge (Qassempour Dehaghani, Jafari, and Liaghatdar, 2011). In addition to the Cheng's theories
(2004), Lave and Wenger's Situational Learning Theory (1991), Vygotsky's Cultural Theory (1978), Bruner's Theory
of Learning Culture (1996), Dewey's Self-Life Education (1897), Kolb's Experiential Learning (1984), and Freire’s
Human Education (1970) can be a guide for theoretical discussions about the localization of curricula. In addition, the
most recent theories supporting localization include neo-conceptualists Mulla and Adib, 2017), postmodernists Mulla
and Adib, 2017), neo-idealists Mulla and Adib, 2017), cultural pluralists ,that each one in a way has a particular
emphasis on the rights of minorities and the culture (Sharif, 2011; Ghaderi, 2008; ALKAN & ALTUNDAĞ, 2016).
Evidence shows that the localization of curricula makes students' academic progress and individual development Mulla
and Adib, 2017). In the research of Tulgar (2018), the interaction between teachers’ education and its coordination with
the mother tongue and intercultural interactions to preserve learners' local culture have been emphasized. Alismail
(2016) believed that culture-based education promotes and improves learning and develops students' cultural
perspective. According to Demir and Yurdakul (2015), culture-based programs reduced racial and cultural prejudices.
Spindler (1987) stated that, teaching and learning are cultural processes that occur in the social context. In order to able
to provide maximum qualitative education to various students, their culture must clearly be understood (Banks &
Banks, 2005). In explaining the necessity of localizing the curricula, the existence of various subcultures in Iran should
be mentioned. The simultaneous presence of various ethnic groups in a single land is defined as the multiethnic
community (Parekh, 2008).
Moreover, the necessity of compiling local programs can also be investigated and explained from the perspective of the
Qur'an, documents and high-level laws. In verse 22 of Chapter Rome it says: "One of the signs of the power of God is
creation of the heavens and the earth, and also the difference of languages and colors of men". Article 19 of the
Constitution refers to the ethnic and racial equality, and Article 15 refers to considering local and ethnic languages
(Articles of the Constitution, 2011). In addition, the Development Perspective Document has proposed the issue of
paying attention to "preserving human dignity and rights" "creating equal and non-discriminatory opportunities",
"social justice and legitimate freedoms" as a part of its goals. The Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution has also
mandated Education and Training to insert a summary of the history of Islamic and Iranian culture and civilization in
the textbooks. On the other hand, The philosophy of formal and public education of the Islamic Republic of Iran has
taken into consideration the principle of diversity, pluralism and educational justice as a part of the principles
governing formal education (Sadeghi, 2012). This issue area? has also been considered in the national curriculum
Mulla and Adib, 2017). Curricula should provide the context of strengthening national identity by emphasizing cultural
values and linguistic and cultural differences (National Curriculum Document, 2012). The Articles 6 and 7 of the
Universal Declaration of the Human Rights explicitly recognizes and protects minorities and their culture and declares
that students with their life experience enter the school, so their cultural rights can be respected (Osler, 2015).
Curriculum requires the participation of all influential forces in various stages of decision making, among which
teachers due to having familiarity with the students’ issues and needs, have a special position and importance (Shawer,
2017). Research by Alismail’s (2016), Hong, Chang & Yang (2017), Apple and Smith (2007), Muchenje, F., &
Heeralal (2016) and Shawer (2017) outline the importance of teacher’s role in curriculum designing. In addition, in
Iran, the research conducted by Hajitabar Firojaie and Mir Arab Razi (2016); Sadeghi, Abdolmaleki and Khoda Rahmi
(2016); Fahimi and Sheikhzadeh (2013); and Mohammadi, Shirkouh, Kharrazi, Naghikamal, Kazemi Fard and
Pourkarim (2016) have investigated the localization of the curriculum according to the teachers’ view. McCarthy and
Stanton’s (2017 research stated that the community's response to incorporating a local discourse into the region's
curriculum and preserving local culture in Indian curricula was required.
The planned curriculum should reflect the culture of the people. Each curriculum is based on culture, generalizations,
specialties, and cultural alternatives. These have all been chosen in the curriculum. The headlines of applied curricula
are a reflection of culture. Therefore, culture should be applied into the curriculum and curriculum headlines in an
integrative way. The curriculum is a real tool to help preserving and acquiring the cultural achievements of a nation
(Afforma, 2016). Each of the subcultures has specific religious, linguistic, belief traditions, and different residential
place and distinguishes them from other cultures. Schools have roles for the community culture, and in this respect the
social studies curriculum has a more important and effective role (Muchenje, F., & Heeralal, 2016). In Turkey, 85 of
the 175 goals are related to local goals, including the social studies course (Cirik, 2014). In this regard, the goals of the
social studies education program have been determined by the Ministry of Education and Training of Turkey? in a
number of domains. Concerning in the cognitive domain, the goals that are related solely to the student’s mental
activities are considered. In the skill domain, goals that are related to the skills and practical abilities are considered,

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and in the value domain, the goals that have emotional aspect and show individuals' social attitudes and mindsets are
expected. It should be said that dividing the goals into triple domains has face value aspect and is performed to
facilitate the lesson planning and there is no clear boundary between them (Kazempour & Ghaffari, 2009). Research of
Hamidizadeh, Fathi Vajjargah, Arefi and Mehran (2017) stated that social studies can help localizing the curriculum by
proposing culture-related topics. However, the results of Razaghi's research (2013) showed that the Iranian education
system lacks a proper model and solution in respect of local curriculum, since teachers are the executors of the
curricula and can help removing the problems of compiled future programs; hence, investigating their experience can
clarify the challenges, solutions, and consequences of localization in the elementary level textbooks. Therefore,
considering the importance of this topic in the high-level documents, the existence of cultural diversity in Iran, and the
emphasis of domestic and foreign research on the necessity of localizing the curriculum, the purpose of the present
research is to analyze the teachers’ experiences of Kalat about what, why and how to localize and the localization
solutions of the course of social studies in the elementary level. The following questions guided the research design:
What is the impact of non-local content on students?
What is the impact of non-local content on teachers?
What challenges the localization of curricula is associated with according to the teachers’ viewpoint?
What consequences does the localization of curricula have for teachers?
What consequences does the localization of curricula have for students according to the teachers’ viewpoint?
What are the solutions for the localization of social studies course curriculum according to the teachers’ viewpoint?
2. Research Methodology
The purpose of the present research is to understand teachers' perception about the localization of the curriculum.
Through a qualitative, phenomenological methodology Mulla and Adib, 2017), the intellectual categories of the
research group were considered to describe their attitude and behaviors (Strauss and Corbin, 2011).
The participants of research were all local teachers of Kalat from the first to sixth grade with at least 10 years of
experience. By using a purposeful sampling method (Gall, Borg & Gall, 2013)., 19 teachers were selected. In the
purposeful sampling method, interviewing continues until the theoretical saturation stage, when the responses of new
sample are the same kind as previous responses and no new information and solution are produced Further explanation
as to why this was done, with specific reference to the research (Gall, Borg & Gall, 2013; Kasteyeva, 2018).
The data collection tool used was a semi-structured interview Most interviews were conducted outside the school hours
in an informal setting. The time of interviews was conducted beforehand in coordination with the interviewee. At the
beginning of each interview, the researcher explained about how the interview was conducted and the purpose of the
research and ensured the confidentiality of the information. The interview process began with proposing the research
question and explaining and stating the importance and necessity, and then proposing the interview questions began.
The interviewees were initially asked a general and open question, but the next questions were designed in a way to
help the research purpose, that is, broad questions related to the research question were proposed and some questions
were also formed during the interview. At the beginning of the interview, as the subject is the localization of the
curriculum, in order to motivate and attract interviewees’ attention some questions were asked regarding the culture
and attractions related to the local culture and their interest and feeling towards local culture, and then the discussion
continued to the way that how the local culture can be preserved in their opinion and what are the solutions for
preserving local culture and then they were asked to state their opinion about the challenges, consequences, and how to
localize the curriculum.
For validation and reliability, three criteria considered by qualitative studies experts, including acceptability, reliability
and validity were used (Mansourian, 2012; Fujo & Dida, 2019). In order to be acceptable and to confirm the accuracy
of findings, transcripts of the interview and the research report were sent to the teachers to specify the agreement of the
mentioned points and the research findings. To ensure the reliability of the findings, it was tried to clearly describe the
processes and decisions related to the research in the research text. For the conformity of the results, the findings were
compared with the literature review and by referring to the theoretical discussions they were explained (Matandare,
2018).
The analysis of findings was performed based on the Colaizzi's seven-step method (Sanders, 2003). The process of data
analysis was performed regarding the nature of the research subject and it was reciprocal. In the way that after each step
of data collection the process of analyzing and coding it began, but the basic and systematic action to analyze the data
began when all the obtained data was collected and implemented.

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3. Findings
The research findings in the form of extracted concepts have been reported by mentioning evidence according to the
interviewees’ opinion, that ultimately, in the final question regarding the importance of the subject of social studies
course, these concepts have been explained in detail in Klein's nine elements.
The First Question: What is the impact of non-local content on students?
The concepts extracted from the interviews in this main field have three sub-conceptual codes as follows. Lack of
Motivation: Teachers believe that students lack motivation to learn concepts completely unrelated to their local culture.
Dropout: Teachers acknowledge that the ratio of elementary school dropout in this region is high. Superficial Learning:
Teachers believe that the knowledge students learn is superficial and it does not link them to their previous learning.
The Second Question: What is the impact of non-local content on teachers?
The concepts extracted from the interviews in this main field have three sub-conceptual codes as follows. Inefficient
Teaching: Teachers acknowledge that they are not completely successful in teaching the current content.
Communication Disorder: Teachers believe that in teaching the current content the communication between teacher
and student is one-way; however, communication is bilateral when local examples are used; but, we must teach the
content existing in the books. These goings and returns cause a conflict in the communication of teacher and student.
One-Way Interaction: Teachers acknowledge that as we are aware of the content of the book, and the students do not
know about it, this factor makes one-way interaction between us.
The Third Question: What challenges the localization of curriculum is associated with according to the teachers’
viewpoint?
The concepts extracted from the interviews in this main field have ten sub-conceptual codes as follows. Not Accepting
the Cultural Diversity Domain by Policy Makers: Teachers believe that understanding policy makers and educational
planners about the issue of cultural diversity is the first thing to do to begin localizing curricula. Non-Local Content
(Concentrated Knowledge): Teachers know the sovereignty of national content in books as a challenge for localization.
The Lack of In-Service Courses: Teachers consider the lack of in-service courses a challenge for localization. Time
Challenge: For teachers, the shortage of time to teach is a challenge to localize curricula. Non-Local Teachers’
Recruitment: Teachers acknowledge that the use of non-local teachers in multicultural schools is a challenge to the
localization of curricula. Lack of Comprehensive Studies about Regions with Subcultures: Teachers' experiences
indicate that comprehensive studies have not been conducted about ethnicity groups to perform localization based on
the characteristics and needs of ethnicities. Migration: Teacher and students’ relocations create problems for
localization. Executive Challenge: Teachers have declared the lack of facilities, resistance of teachers unaware of the
local culture, the lack of sufficient budget, the absence of orthography for writing local language, the use of non-local
teachers in this region, not collaborating with officials and designers among the executive challenges of localization.
School Space: If programs are localized, basic changes should be created in the physical environment of schools. This
point requires coordination of all relevant factors. Absence of a Local Curriculum Model: Teachers acknowledge that
they have an important role in designing local programs, and consider the absence of an example of local program a
challenge.
The Fourth Question: What consequences does the localization of curriculum have for teachers?
The concepts extracted from the interviews in this main field have three sub-conceptual codes as follows. Satisfaction
Feeling with Teaching: Teachers have a good sense when teaching their local culture. Creating and Improving
Communication: Teachers acknowledge that local content improves communication between teacher and students.
Promoting and Preserving Local Culture: Most teachers consider preserving, promoting and transferring their local
culture a duty.
The Fifth Question: What consequences does the localization of curriculum have for students according to the teachers’
viewpoint?
The concepts extracted from the interviews in this main field have three sub-conceptual codes as follows. Preserving
Students' Local Culture: Teachers believe that the students of this region are very interested in their customs and
traditions. Here is the last zero-boundary point to defend the culture that the localization helps this effort. Creating
Motivation for Learning: Teachers acknowledge that content related to the context of students' life enhances their
motivation to learn. Attraction and Retention in the Classroom and School: According to the teachers the localization
of curricula helps students’ attraction and retention at school.
The Sixth Question: What are the solutions for the localization of social studies curriculum according to the teachers’
viewpoint?
The concepts extracted from the interviews in this field have been derived in the form of Klein’s nine elements (goal,

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content, teaching-learning strategies, grouping, materials and resources, space specifications, time status, learning
experiences, and evaluation). Sub-conceptual codes have been extracted and reported for each one of these elements.
Table 1. The Solutions to Localize the Curriculum in the Form of Klein’s Nine Elements
Major Themes Minor Themes Primary Themes
• Strengthening students' national identity It will lead to preserving local culture and creating
• Helping students' local culture preservation interest in students' national identity – strengthens
and developing their knowledge interest in preserving local culture among students -
• Preventing discrimination and differences makes Kurd students to have self-value feeling in
• Making student interested and attracted to this region- by seeing their culture in the book they
Goal the school become more interested – it prevents cultural
uniformity- bringing objective examples strengthens
• Helping decentralization of curricula and
mental growth- students enjoy more when I use
preventing content being uniform
examples of their real environment
• Helping students' cognitive growth through
studying local content
• Helping emotional growth
• Content components Social customs and traditions of the region -
introducing handicrafts - using local signs-
Content • Organizing content
agricultural products - introducing wildlife and local
integrated-separate geography
Teaching– General – Specific; teaching by local teacher and
•Teaching methods
Learning non-local assistant teacher- Getting help from local
• How to teach
Strategies forces- Designing local networks
Forming homogeneous groups separately (Kurd),
• Forming homogeneous groups (Turk), (Tat), (Balouch), (Berber) - Forming diverse
Grouping
• Forming heterogeneous groups linguistic and cultural groups in one group (Kurd,
Turk, Balouch, Tat, Berber, Lak)
Maps, sphere, charts, book, tuition help, pictures,
Materials and • Public resources booklets, local books, historical atlases, historical
Resources • Local resources CDs, local maps, informed people and experts,
natural environment, local workshops
Using the speech of well known local people on the
door, wall and hallway. Using various and happy
colors in the classroom and at school space. Using
• Physical space photo and poster about successful local men and
Space
• Emotional space women - Designing a positive emotional space.
Specifications
Creating intimate space for the interaction of
existing subcultures. Designing class spaces for
interaction and creating intimate communication
between teacher and students
The current time is also good to teach the local
curriculum, but it is better if they increase the time –
• Increasing current prescription time in the local curriculum along with the national
Time Status
• Designing informal times program more time should be allocated to attend
local rituals and ceremonies and visiting the
spectacular places of village and productive centers.
Students can do a variety of activities, such as
making a black tent together or draw a replica of the
Learning • Practical activities
village - taking them to related centers to see local
Experiences • Executive activities
art such as needle working or carpet weaving and
jajim weaving.
• Investigating folder To evaluate students' learning, they investigate their
folders - observing that students objectively respect
Evaluation • Investigating practical assignments
adults; in fact, evaluation has a functional state
• Investigating normal performance more.

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Analysis of Teachers' Perception for Extracting “Goal” in the Local Curriculum

Local teachers' perception in respect of extracting the element of “goal” in the local curriculum was analyzed that in
this element in the local curriculum of social studies course, the following concepts are extracted from the teachers'
perception: 1- Strengthening students' national identity, 2- Helping students' local culture preservation and developing
their knowledge, 3-Preventing discrimination and differences, 4- Making student interested in and attracted to the
school, 5- Helping decentralization of curricula and preventing content being uniform, 6- Helping students' cognitive
growth through studying local content, and 7- Helping emotional growth.
Analysis of Teachers' Perception for Extracting “Content” in the Local Curriculum
Local teachers' perception in respect of extracting the element of “content” in the local curriculum was analyzed that in
this element in the local curriculum of social studies course, the following concepts are extracted from the teachers'
perception. These concepts can be proposed into two parts of content components, organizing content:
A: Contents Components that Can Be Proposed in the Local Curriculum of Social Studies: 1- Social customs
and traditions of the region, 2 - Introducing handicrafts, 3 - Using local signs in the content (Kurdish names, local
music, and local foods), 4- Agricultural products, local dairy, 5- Introducing wildlife and local geography, and
6-Introducing historical locations.
B: Organizing Content: Organizing content is divided into two integrated and separate sections each with its specific
own sub-concepts. 1) Integration: 1- Organizing local content alongside global and national content, 2- Organizing
local content alongside current content, 2) Separate: 1- Designing a local curriculum in a separate booklet, 2-
Attachment of local curriculum content at the end of the book, 3- Attachment of local curriculum content at the end of
each chapter.
Analysis of Teachers' Perception for Extracting “'Teaching-Learning Strategies'” in the Local Curriculum
Local teachers' perception in respect of extracting the element of “teaching-learning strategies” in the local curriculum
was analyzed, that in this element in the local curriculum, the social studies course is in the form of two parts of
teaching methods and how to teach; the following concepts are extracted from teachers’ perception: A. Teaching
Methodology: 1. General methods. 2. Specific methods. B: How to Teach: 1- Teaching by a local teacher and a
non-local assistant teacher, 2- Getting help from local forces, 3- Designing local networks to use local networks.
Analysis of Teachers' Perception for Extracting “Grouping” in the Local Curriculum
Local teachers' perception in respect of extracting the element of “grouping” in the local curriculum was analyzed that
in this element in the local curriculum, the social studies course is in the form of two parts of the formation of
homogeneous groups and the formation of heterogeneous groups; the following concepts are extracted from teachers’
perception: A. Forming Homogeneous Groups: Forming homogeneous groups separately (Kurd), (Turk), (Tat),
(Balouch), (Berber), B) Forming Heterogeneous Groups: Forming diverse linguistic and cultural groups in one
group (Kurd, Turk, Balouch, Tat, Berber, and Lak).
Analysis of Teachers' Perception for Extracting “Materials and Resources” in the Local Curriculum
Local teachers' perception in respect of extracting the element of “materials and resources” in the local curriculum was
analyzed that in this element in the local curriculum, the social studies course is in the form of two parts of public
resources and local resources; the following concepts are extracted from the teachers' perception: A: Public Resources:
Maps, sphere, charts, book, tuition help, pictures, booklets. B: Local Resources: According to the perspective of one
of the local teachers of the region: local books, historical atlases, historical CDs, local maps, informed people and
experts, natural environment, local workshops, ecosystem of the region, historical locations of the region, cultural
monographs of the region, local people’s memories, narrations, local tales, local encyclopedias, local dictionaries,
parents’ experiences, local poems, local firsthand resources, and local proverbs.
Analysis of Teachers' Perception for Extracting Space Specifications” in the Local Curriculum
Local teachers' perception in respect of extracting the element of “space specifications” in the local curriculum was
analyzed that in this element in the local curriculum, the social studies course is in the form of two parts of physical
space and emotional space; the following concepts are extracted from the teachers' perception: A. Physical Space: 1-
Using the speech of well known local people on the door, wall and hallway, 2- Using various and happy colors in the
classroom and at school space, 3- Using photo and poster about successful local men and women, 4- Using photo and
poster appropriate to the season of migration, planting and harvesting and other important ceremonies of the region. B:
Emotional Space: 1- Designing a positive emotional space, 2- Creating intimate space for the interaction of existing
subcultures, 3- Designing class spaces for interaction and creating intimate communication between teacher and
students, 4- Designing a happy and varied space in the classroom by the aid of local resources, 5- Enjoying from local

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music and sounds and songs in national festivals and ceremonies to stylize students’ morale, 6- Holding local festivals
and conferences to pay attention to the students' emotion and raising students’ taste.
Analysis of Teachers' Perception for Extracting “Time Status” in the Local Curriculum
Local teachers' perception in respect of extracting the element of “time status” in the local curriculum was analyzed
that in this element in the local curriculum of the social studies course; the following concepts are extracted from the
teachers' perception: 1- Increasing the current prescriptive time 2- Designing informal times (non-prescriptive).
Analysis of Teachers' Perception for Extracting “Learning Experiences” in the Local Curriculum
Local teachers' perception in respect of extracting the element of “learning experiences” in the local curriculum was
analyzed that in this element in the local curriculum, the social studies course is in the form of two parts of scientific
activities and executive activities; the following concepts are extracted from the teachers' perception, A: Practical
Activities: 1. Making and painting and drawing handicrafts and crafts and visual arts, 2- Writing and drawing, 3-
Holding local competitions and cooking local foods, 4- Building theater and competitions with local content for
important days, B: Executive Activities: 1- Visiting artistic, production centers and workshops and writing report, 2-
Identifying and naming historical regions, 3- Classification of the medical herbals of the region, 4- Identifying local
animals of the region, 5- Preparing a wall newspaper with local culture topics, 6- Interviewing local people about local
issues, 7- Making videos from local celebrations and rituals.
Analysis of Teachers' Perception for Extracting “Evaluation” in the Local Curriculum
Local teachers' perception in respect of extracting the element of “evaluation” in the local curriculum was analyzed that
in this element in the local curriculum of the social studies course, the following concepts are extracted from the
teachers' perception, 1- Investigating folder, 2- Investigating practical assignments, 3- Investigating normal
performance.
According to the research findings, the network of curriculum localization themes has been presented in Figure

Figure 1. Localization of the Curriculum

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4. Discussion and Conclusion

Various cultures have different norms, values and expectations, and these cultural differences have a profound effect
on educational activities. The cultural trends and the values of each culture have been effective on how the process of
teaching and learning of learners is and form the teachers' attitudes towards educational activities; therefore, the
teaching-learning process in each culture differs according to the perceptions and conceptions of its main actors. The
research was conducted with the main aim of investigating the phenomenology of teachers about the nature,
consequences, challenges and solutions of the localization of curricula with special emphasis and look at the social
studies course.
Localization of curriculum in addition to requiring principled designing and organizing, in the next stage requires
teachers to be able to implement it, so teachers’ understanding and recognition of the local curriculum is very important,
as Alismail’s (2016) reported how teacher’s understanding of the localization of programs develops and changes their
perspective in implementing local curriculum.
Employing non-local teachers can also be a barrier to the localization. Research by Denis (2011) found that local
teachers have more commitment to understand and transmit local culture and are more successful in these programs. In
a study by Sianturi, Chiang and Au Hurit (2018), local teachers are needed for teaching local curricula for local
students.
How to design the school space can also be an obstacle for localization. In this respect, it was mentioned in the research
of Osler (2015) that in the local curricula, educational buildings, facilities, and space appropriate to the culture of
ethnicities should be designed. The role of school is to consider the ethnic attitudes and values in a democratic society
and to create a safe and acceptable environment and to encourage learners for critical thinking, and to prevent
discrimination between learners (Aydin, 2013).
Solutions for the localization of social studies curriculum can be investigated in Klein's nine elements:
Element of Goal: Among the goals of localizing the social studies curriculum can be respecting diverse local traditions
by students (Putnam, Putnam, Jerome & Jerome, 2011; Ramirez & Jaffee, 2016).
Element of Content: In the context of local curriculum content, the following cases can also be mentioned: In the
context of the content element, traditions, rituals, beliefs and values of local culture can be in the books, including
social studies as content (Putnam et al., 2011), organizing local language, local traditions and customs taken from local
culture (Tulgar, 2018), local knowledge such as local mathematics (Khakbaz, 2017), selecting local curriculum content
with emphasis on knowledge related to the local culture (Misko, 2018), integrating local experiences with national and
global experiences such as history, geography, cultural values in the textbooks (Allen, Jackson & Knight, 2012),
beliefs, historical knowledge and local geography: content in local programs including values, beliefs, historical and
geographical knowledge can be designed in social studies books, and in the curriculum of language, art, and literature
book (Aydin, 2013).
Element of Teaching-Learning Strategies: In the local curriculum, in the teaching topic the examples and samples can
be used that are tangible for learners and they have felt their examples in their cultural context (Mohammadi et al.,
2016).
Element of Grouping: In the local curriculum of social studies, in the grouping topic we can have the homogeneous and
heterogeneous groups. Forming heterogeneous groups: In places where cultural heterogeneity exists, the formation of
heterogeneous teams in the culturally responsive curricula becomes necessary (Jacob, Sabzalian, Jansen, Tobin,
Vincent, LaChance, 2018). From the perspective of Demir and Yurdakul (2015), in the local programs the formation of
team between heterogeneous groups is also effective in learning and reducing intergroup tensions. Homogeneous
groups: in culturally responsive (local, indigenous) curricula.
Element of Materials and Resources: In the topic of materials and resources in the local curriculum of social studies,
numerous resources can also be used. Applying local forces as resources: family interactions are important in the
learning process. Elderly participation is essential because it is maintained through the elderly, traditions, culture, and
language and values (Putnam et al., 2011). Using local poems and stories and tales: There are a variety of resources in
cultural curricula, for example, resources can be the use of local poems, music and stories (Osler, 2015).
Element of Space Specifications: In the element of space in the local curriculum, the design of physical and emotional
spaces can be organized according to the culture of each location. Attention of schools and educational community
based on different ethnic and cultural characteristics: To preserve the rights of local people, buildings and school

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spaces should correspond with multicultural characteristics. The correspondence of the physical and educational
spaces of schools with the characteristics of subcultures in cultural programs is important (Osler, 2016).
Element of Time Status: Teachers believe that the ratio of time allocated to a local curriculum of social studies should
be increased and they require informal and non-prescriptive time programs for better implementation. In the research
of Hamidizadeh et al. (2017), time limitation is also one of the factors affecting the design and implementation of
multicultural programs.
Element of Learning Experiences: Visiting art and production centers and workshops and writing report. Identifying
and naming the historic sites of the region and preparing poster, classifying the region's medical herbals, identifying
local animals of the region, producing a wall paper with local culture topics, interviewing local people about local
subjects, preparing video from local celebrations and rituals can be placed in the students’ experiences discussion
(Yuan, 2018).
Element of Evaluation: The evaluation process in local programs should be flexible and broad and should be performed
based on the observation of student’s behavior and performance in the cultural contexts, because the development of
some attitudes can take a long time. Evaluation should reflect cultural diversity and should be appropriate for learners'
cultural contexts (Demir and Yurdakul, 2015).
In many countries, with particular consideration and importance that the issue of subcultures and local and indigenous
culture of minorities has, on the contrary they have not presented solutions to design local curricula; while, many
researches and findings have explained the consequences of localization for students and teachers and in general for a
nation and have warned the consequences of ignoring the topics of the localization of curricula and marginalizing the
subcultures of a multiethnic community.There are many challenges and obstacles on the way of designing such
programs that these obstacles require comprehensive investigation based on the culture of each country; challenges
that their origin is the politicians’ lack of understanding and accepting the need for the localization in curricula in
communities with cultural diversity. There are other challenges as well, such as the lack of proper local curriculum
design models or the challenges related to the implementation, and so on, that all of these cases should be considered in
implementing a successful curriculum. It goes without saying that many countries with cultural diversity have taken
steps in this regard and have considered local curricula, location-based and cultural programs.
Generally, according to the obtained results of this research it can be claimed that the living experiences of teachers in
this research clarified many challenges and barriers, consequences, and how to localize the curricula, the results of
which could be useful for other studies. Based on the obtained findings from this research, it is suggested to conduct
study and research about multicultural regions and with subcultures in Iran. Investigating the challenges and barriers
for the localization of curricula and how to remove these barriers, study and research about how to prepare the
necessary infrastructures for localizing curricula, and designing and compiling a local curriculum model in various
courses can be among the suggested cases of researches.
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