Maldivian primary teachers activate and shape their Social Studies pedagogies through reflection
type: CreativeWork
description: This study emerges from a deep-seated concern about the potential erosion of Maldivian cultural heritage and identity, reflected in the diminishing prominence of traditional cultural practices, language, beliefs, which are often threatened by tourism and foreign influences. The research investigates how Maldivian primary teachers perceive and teach social studies, a subject crucial for preserving cultural identity and for promoting sustainable development. As a Maldivian social studies educator, I view social studies education as an empowering force for fostering critical thinking, empathy, and global citizenship among future leaders. The research explores how primary teachers activate and shape their social studies pedagogy through reflection, with a focus on Key Stage 1 and 2 levels. Some findings indicate that teachers face challenges due to limited access to specialised professional learning, resulting pedagogical approaches that are often teacher-led and exam focused, rather than being inquiry-based and student-centred. This thesis sheds light on these dynamics and contributes to critical need for educational reform conversations in the Maldives on the quality of social studies education. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this largely qualitative study initially adopted a Participatory Action Research [PAR] methodology and later transitioned to Online Participatory Action Research [OPAR]. Data was collected from ten participants via a Qualtrics questionnaire and online workshops, with four teachers contributing reflective narrative texts and participating in online interviews. Thematic analysis and grounded theory guided the analysis, which uncovered key themes and generating theoretical insights drawn from the firsthand experiences of the participants within the realm of social studies education in the Maldives. The findings highlight the crucial role of reflective practice in shaping pedagogy and fostering professional growth. Analysis of teachers’ expe…
abstract: This study emerges from a deep-seated concern about the potential erosion of Maldivian cultural heritage and identity, reflected in the diminishing prominence of traditional cultural practices, language, beliefs, which are often threatened by tourism and foreign influences. The research investigates how Maldivian primary teachers perceive and teach social studies, a subject crucial for preserving cultural identity and for promoting sustainable development. As a Maldivian social studies educator, I view social studies education as an empowering force for fostering critical thinking, empathy, and global citizenship among future leaders. The research explores how primary teachers activate and shape their social studies pedagogy through reflection, with a focus on Key Stage 1 and 2 levels. Some findings indicate that teachers face challenges due to limited access to specialised professional learning, resulting pedagogical approaches that are often teacher-led and exam focused, rather than being inquiry-based and student-centred. This thesis sheds light on these dynamics and contributes to critical need for educational reform conversations in the Maldives on the quality of social studies education. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this largely qualitative study initially adopted a Participatory Action Research [PAR] methodology and later transitioned to Online Participatory Action Research [OPAR]. Data was collected from ten participants via a Qualtrics questionnaire and online workshops, with four teachers contributing reflective narrative texts and participating in online interviews. Thematic analysis and grounded theory guided the analysis, which uncovered key themes and generating theoretical insights drawn from the firsthand experiences of the participants within the realm of social studies education in the Maldives. The findings highlight the crucial role of reflective practice in shaping pedagogy and fostering professional growth. Analysis of teachers’ expe…
author: Saeed, Sharuda
keywords: social studies, reflection, pedagogy, professional learning
license: https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/bitstreams/2460736e-cd10-4e98-8934-3f66c0548edc/download
date published: 2024
date modified: 2026-07-24T05:57:21Z
provider: University Waikato
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: The University of Waikato