NAVIGATING CHANGES IN THE SCIENCE CURRICULUM: TEACHERS' RESILIENCE AND SYSTEMIC GAPS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.n4.4642Abstract
Science teachers play an important role as implementers of curricula, transforming the curriculum design into meaningful learning experiences for learners. This paper presents multiple case studies of science teachers’ understanding of the implementation of different science curricula in basic education, their experiences, and the strategies they use as they implement these changes. Drawing on thematic analysis of interview transcripts from five informant teachers, the study employed the procedure prescribed by Braun and Clarke to uncover recurring patterns and unique experiences. The findings reveal a complex landscape in which significant systemic and contextual barriers often confront the latest curriculum's progressive design. Key observations highlight a pervasive sense of curriculum fatigue among educators, critical resource and infrastructure deficits, and profound challenges in student readiness influenced by socioeconomic factors. Despite these obstacles, teachers consistently demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation, frequently resorting to personal sacrifice to bridge implementation gaps.
References
Ahn, J., & Bowers, A. J. (2023). Do teacher beliefs mediate leadership and teacher behaviors? The study examines the role of teacher self-efficacy in mediating the relationship between leadership for learning and teacher outcomes. Journal of Educational Administration, 62(2), 197–222. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1108/JEA-12-2022-0227
Alek, R., Fitria, H., & Eddy, S. (2021). The study focuses on the role of teachers in implementing Curriculum 13 in primary schools. JPGI (Jurnal Penelitian Guru Indonesia), 6(1), 291. https://doi.org/10.29210/021043JPGI0005
Almerino, P. M., Ocampo, L. A., Abellana, D. P. M., Almerino, J. G. F., Mamites, I. O., Pinili, L. C., Tenerife, J. J. L., Sitoy, R. E., Abelgas, L. J., & Peteros, E. D. (2020). Evaluating the Academic Performance of K-12 Students in the Philippines: A Standardized Evaluation Approach. Education Research International, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8877712
Alpuerto, R. J. C. (2022). Science teachers’ experiences on ICT integration: challenges, coping mechanisms, and opportunities. Sapienza: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 3(2), 136–145. https://doi.org/10.51798/SIJIS.V3I2.254
Aquino, E. (2024). Developing an Evaluation Scale for Assessing the Effective Implementation of Matatag Curriculum in Philippine Public Schools: Exploratory Sequential Design. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2(5). https://doi.org/10.69569/JIP.2024.0074
Bertoletti, A., Biagi, F., Di Pietro, G., & Karpiński, Z. (2023). The effect of the COVID-19 disruption on the gender gap in students’ performance: a cross-country analysis. In Large-Scale Assessments in Education (Vol. 11, Issue 1). Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536-023-00154-y
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021a). Conceptual and design thinking for thematic analysis. Qualitative Psychology, 9(1). Qualitative Psychology, 9(1), 3–26. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1037/qup0000196
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021b). One size fits all? What counts as quality practice in (reflexive) thematic analysis? Qualitative Research in Psychology, 18(3), 328–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2020.1769238
Burić, I., & Kim, L. E. (2020). Teacher self-efficacy, instructional quality, and student motivational beliefs: An analysis using multilevel structural equation modeling. Learning and Instruction, 66(December 2019), 101302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2019.101302
Cao, B., Hassan, N. C., & Omar, M. K. (2024). The Impact of Social Support on Burnout among Lecturers: A Systematic Literature Review. Behavioral Sciences, 14(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14080727
Castro, L., Serrão, C., Rodrigues, A. R., Marina, S., dos Santos, J. P. M., Amorim-Lopes, T. S., Miguel, C., Teixeira, A., & Duarte, I. (2023). Burnout, resilience, and subjective well-being among Portuguese lecturers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 14(November). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1271004
Chen, H., Chen, J., & Chiang, F. K. (2024). A study on the influence of learning space on students’ intrinsic learning motivation. European Journal of Education, 59(3), e12652. https://doi.org/10.1111/EJED.12652;JOURNAL:JOURNAL:14653435;WGROUP:STRING:PUBLICATION
Chzhen, Y., & Leesch, J. (2023). Why does school socio-economic composition matter to adolescents’ academic performance? Role of classroom climate and school resources. British Educational Research Journal, 49(6), 1291–1311. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3898
Coughenour, C., Conway Kleven, B., Gakh, M., Stephen, H., Chien, L. C., Labus, B., & Whaley, R. (2021). School absenteeism is linked to household food insecurity in school catchment areas in Southern Nevada. Public Health Nutrition, 24(15), 5074–5080. https://doi.org/10.1017/S136898002100063X
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2023). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (6th ed.). SAGE Publications Ltd.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2025). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
Darmody, M., Smyth, E., & Russell, H. (2021). Impacts of the COVID-19 Control Measures on Widening Educational Inequalities. Young, 29(4), 366–380. https://doi.org/10.1177/11033088211027412
de Bruijn, A. G. M., Ehren, M. C. M., Meeter, M., & Kortekaas-Rijlaarsdam, A. F. (2025). School and student characteristics related to primary and secondary school students’ social–emotional functioning. Frontiers in Education, 10(February), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1514895
Demate, D. R. B., Aclis, M. S., Catbagan, F. C. P., Molina, G. G., Ramos, N. U., & Patacsil, F. F. (2025). Teacher perspectives on MATATAG curriculum: Challenges and collaborative solutions. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(11). https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025351
Espinosa, A. A., Gomez, M. A. C., Miranda, P. A., David, A. P., Abulon, E. L. R., Hermosisima, M. V. C., Quinosa, E. A., Soliman, A. A., de Vera, J. L., Claros, I. H. A., Cruz, H. G. M., & Gonzales, N. S. J. (2025). Bridging a digital divide: A critical analysis of contextual factors affecting ICT integration in Philippine schools. Issues in Educational Research, 35(2), 526–549.
Giray, M. B., & Kim, V. F. (2023). Spiral Progression Approach in Teaching Science in the K-12 Curriculum. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 4(8), 1363–1378. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.4.823.50813
Gulo, F. A. (2024). Teachers’ Role and the Development of Curriculum. Sintaksis : Publikasi Para Ahli Bahasa Dan Sastra Inggris, 2(1), 226–230. https://doi.org/10.61132/SINTAKSIS.V2I1.373
Hagenauer, G., Wallner-Paschon, C., & Kuhn, C. (2021). Austrian students’ experiences of supportive relationships with teachers, peers, and parents and the mediating effect of school belonging in the context of their academic and non-academic outcomes. Zeitschrift Für Bildungsforschung, 11(1), 93–116. https://doi.org/10.1007/s35834-021-00300-y
Hall, K. S., Liang, Y. W. M., & Riley, L. J. (2021). Best Practices of Principals to Increase Attendance in Low-Socioeconomic Status Rural High Schools. NASSP Bulletin, 105(2), 65–83. https://doi.org/10.1177/01926365211012453;WGROUP:STRING:PUBLICATION
Hirai, H., & Hiyane, A. (2022). How can NGO interventions break the poverty trap? Evidence from at-risk youths in the Philippines. Development in Practice, 32(5), 610–623. https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2020.1863337
Holzberger, D., & Schiepe-Tiska, A. (2021). Is the school context associated with instructional quality? The effects of social composition, leadership, teacher collaboration, and school climate. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 32(3), 465–485. https://doi.org/10.1080/09243453.2021.1913190
Hsieh, C. C., Song, Y., & Li, H. C. (2024). Analyzing the relationship between distributed leadership and instructional quality in Taiwan: The mediating roles of teacher autonomy and teacher innovation. Educational Management Administration and Leadership, 53(101), 1153–1171. https://doi.org/10.1177/17411432241231421
Huang, T. H., & Liu, Y. C. (2016). Science Education Curriculum Development Principles in Taiwan: Connecting with Aboriginal Learning and Culture. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 13(5), 1341–1360. https://doi.org/10.12973/EURASIA.2017.00674A
Huang, X., Lam, S. M., Wang, C., & Xu, P. (2023). Striving for personal growth matters: The relationship between personal growth initiative, teacher engagement and instructional quality. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 93(3), 658–675. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12583
Ishemo, R. P., & Hamidu, H. K. (2024). The Understanding of Curriculum Change. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development. https://doi.org/10.24940/IJIRD/2024/V13/I1/DEC23012
Islam, K., & Shapla, T. J. (2021). The Significance of Parental Involvements in Reducing K-12 Students Absenteeism. European Journal of Educational Research, 10(3), 1215–1225.
Jerrim, J., & Sims, S. (2021). When is high workload bad for teacher wellbeing? Accounting for the non-linear contribution of specific teaching tasks. Teaching and Teacher Education, 105, 103395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103395
Karlberg, M., Klang, N., Andersson, F., Hancock, K., Ferrer-Wreder, L., Kearney, C., & Galanti, M. R. (2022). The Importance of School Pedagogical and Social Climate to Students’ Unauthorized Absenteeism–a Multilevel Study of 101 Swedish Schools. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 66(1), 88–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2020.1833244
Kilag, O. K. T., Andrin, G. R., Abellanosa, C., Villaver, M. T., Uy, F. T., & Sasan, J. M. (2024). MATATAG Curriculum Rollout: Understanding Challenges for Effective Implementation. International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research for Innovation, Sustainability and Excellence, 1(5), 172–177. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4329-7774
Kostøl, K. B., & Remmen, K. B. (2022). A qualitative study of teachers’ and students’ experiences with a context-based curriculum unit designed in collaboration with STEM professionals and science educators. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 4(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/S43031-022-00066-X/TABLES/2
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Sage.
Maimad, M. T., Dupa, H. J. P., & Villegas, J. P. (2023). Parental Involvement and Academic Achievement: Keys to Translating No Poverty and Quality Education SDGs in Philippine Peripheral Communities. Journal of Teacher Education for Sustainability, 25(2), 76–88. https://doi.org/10.2478/jtes-2023-0017
Malinao, A. J., & Miano, J. J. (2025). Implementing the MATATAG Curriculum: A Qualitative Study on Teachers’ Challenges, Adaptation Strategies, and Support Needs. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 3(5), 362–374. https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2025.133
Mateos, N. E., Fernández-Zabala, A., Palacios, E. G., & Díaz-De-cerio, I. I. D. L. F. (2021). School climate and perceived academic performance: direct or resilience-mediated relationship? Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010068
Miñoza, J., Sala, R., Salera, A., Roldan, L., & Dela Peña, H. K. (2025). Literacy and Numeracy Needs of Students : A Teacher’s Perspectives. International Journal on Studies in Education, 7(3), 468–481. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.46328/ijonse.1939
Nugroho, O. F., Permanasari, A., Firman, H., & Riandi, R. (2021). The Importance of Stem Based Education in Indonesia Curriculum. Pedagonal : Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 5(2), 56–61. https://doi.org/10.33751/PEDAGONAL.V5I2.3779
Orbe, J. R., Espinosa, A. A., & Datukan, J. T. (2018). Teaching chemistry in a spiral progression approach: Lessons from science teachers in the Philippines. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 43(4), 17–30. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2018v43n4.2
Özcan, M. (2022). Student absenteeism in high schools: factors to consider. Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools, 32(1), 65–81. https://doi.org/10.1017/jgc.2020.22
Özdem Yilmaz, Y., Cakiroglu, J., Ertepinar, H., & Erduran, S. (2017). The pedagogy of argumentation in science education: science teachers’ instructional practices. International Journal of Science Education, 39(11), 1443–1464. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2017.1336807
Pacadaljen, L. M. (2024). Hurdling obstructions on instructional management of science teachers in schools with challenging laboratory resources. Environment and Social Psychology, 9(10), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v9i10.3027
Parke, H. M., & Coble, C. R. (1997). Teachers designing curriculum as professional development: A model for transformational science teaching - Parke - 1997 - Journal of Research in Science Teaching - Wiley Online Library. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 34(8), 773–789. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1098-2736(199710)34:8<773::AID-TEA2>3.0.CO;2-S
Parreño, S. J. (2023). School dropouts in the Philippines: causes, changes and statistics. Sapienza, 4(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.51798/sijis.v4i1.552
Patiro, S. P. S., & Budiyanti, H. (2022). School Teachers’ Behavior in Remote Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic: Indonesia Perspective. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 23(4), 0–1. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.1182790
Peng, L., Deng, Y., & Jin, S. (2022). The Evaluation of Active Learning Classrooms: Impact of Spatial Factors on Students’ Learning Experience and Learning Engagement. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084839
Romano, L., Angelini, G., Consiglio, P., & Fiorilli, C. (2021). Academic resilience and engagement in high school students: The mediating role of perceived teacher emotional support. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 11(2), 334–344. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe11020025
Saro, J. M., Montejo, C. B., Sucong, J. A., Bustamante, M. F. O., & Perez, J. B. (2024). A Qualitative Exploration on the Perceived Impact of the MATATAG Curriculum on Basic Education Teaching in the School Year 2024-2025. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies, 4(4), 952–966. https://doi.org/10.62225/2583049x.2024.4.4.3134
Segu-Essel, G. (2021). Junior High School Science Teachers’ Perception and Attitude Towards Improvisation of Science Instructional Resources in Gomoa-East District. American Journal of Education and Practice, 5(3), 38–54. https://doi.org/10.47672/ajep.870
Sipayung, E. R., & Hsu, C.-H. (2023). Indonesian Teachers’ Beliefs and Competencies in Implementing the Indonesian Prototype Curriculum to Promote SDG Goal 4. Educative: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 1(3), 118–126. https://doi.org/10.37985/EDUCATIVE.V1I3.220
Sipe, M. D., Malaluan, N. E., Gayeta, N. E., Zimik, H. R., & Javier, M. (2024). Integration of ELT strategies in science classrooms: Asian university teachers and students’ perspectives. Heliyon, 10(7), e27349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27349
Sohail, M. M., Baghdady, A., Choi, J., Huynh, H. V., Whetten, K., & Proeschold-Bell, R. J. (2023). Factors influencing teacher wellbeing and burnout in schools: A scoping review1. Work, 76(4), 1317–1331. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-220234
Soriano, B. M. (2025). Teachers’ Perspectives on the Implementation of Instruction Under the Matatag Curriculum. Cognizance Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 5(6), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.47760/cognizance.2025.v05i06.001
Spicksley, K. (2022). Hard work / workload: discursive constructions of teacher work in policy and practice. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 28(5), 517–532. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2022.2062741
Stapleton, P., Garby, S., & Sabot, D. (2020). Psychological distress and coping styles in teachers: A preliminary study. Australian Journal of Education, 64(2), 127–146. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004944120908960
Stuckey, M., Hofstein, A., Mamlok-Naaman, R., & Eilks, I. (2013). The meaning of ‘relevance’ in science education and its implications for the science curriculum. Studies in Science Education, 49(1), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2013.802463
Sun, D., Ouyang, F., Li, Y., & Zhu, C. (2021). Comparing learners’ knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes between two instructional modes of computer programming in secondary education. International Journal of STEM Education, 8(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-021-00311-1
Susanta, A., Susanto, E., Rusnilawati, & Stiadi, E. (2023). Mathematical Literacy Skills for Elementary School Students: A Comparative Study Between Interactive STEM Learning and Paper-and-Pencil STEM Learning. European Journal of Educational Research, 12(4), 1569–1582. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.12.4.1569
Tobia, V., Sacchi, S., Cerina, V., Manca, S., & Fornara, F. (2022). The influence of classroom seating arrangement on children’s cognitive processes in primary school: the role of individual variables. Current Psychology, 41(9), 6522–6533. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-01154-9
Usman-kaibat, S. S., Kaibat, M. R., Maguid, A. A., Haron, A., Usman-kaibat, S. S., Kaibat, M. R., Maguid, A. A., Mohamad, H. A., & Alim, T. A. (2025). The Status of K-12 Science and Mathematics Spiral Curriculum: A Case Study. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, January. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14602606
Wei, H., Jiang, K., Liu, B., Hu, Z., Zhao, Y., Xu, H., Sharma, M., & Pu, C. (2022). Understanding and Use of Nutrition Labels of Prepackaged Food by University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China. Nutrients, 14(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194189
Werang, B. R., Agung, A. A. G., Sri, A. A. P., Leba, S. M. R., & Jim, E. L. (2024). Parental socioeconomic status, school physical facilities availability, and students’ academic performance. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 8(5), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.V8I5.1146
Yunting, J. Del, Santos, M. C., Ampong, Jr., A. H., Mejos, D., & Monreal, J. (2025). Evaluating Teachers’ Perceptions on the First Year of MATATAG Curriculum Implementation among Selected Schools: A Quantitative Analysis. International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, 7(3), 0–39. https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.47139
Zain, Z. M., Jasmani, F. N. N., Haris, N. H., & Nurudin, S. M. (2022). Gadgets and Their Impact on Child Development. Proceedings, 82, 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2022082006
Zhao, W., Liao, X., Li, Q., Jiang, W., & Ding, W. (2022). The Relationship Between Teacher Job Stress and Burnout: A Moderated Mediation Model. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(January), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.784243
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
I (we) submit this article which is original and unpublished, of my (our) own authorship, to the evaluation of the Veredas do Direito Journal, and agree that the related copyrights will become exclusive property of the Journal, being prohibited any partial or total copy in any other part or other printed or online communication vehicle dissociated from the Veredas do Direito Journal, without the necessary and prior authorization that should be requested in writing to Editor in Chief. I (we) also declare that there is no conflict of interest between the articles theme, the author (s) and enterprises, institutions or individuals.
I (we) recognize that the Veredas do Direito Journal is licensed under a CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE.
Licença Creative Commons Attribution 3.0





