Teachers’ and Students’ Perspectives on the “Agriculture Unit” Developed for the 5th-Grade Science Curriculum: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

This study is primarily a curriculum development study, and the aim of the study is to reveal the opinions and evaluations of students and teachers about an “Agriculture Unit” developed to be integrated into the 5th-Grade Science curriculum. This study utilized a case study design within the framework of qualitative research, and data were collected through semi-structured interview forms conducted with both students and teachers. The study was conducted with 30 students enrolled in the 5th-grade of a public school where the designed “Agriculture Unit” was implemented and 30 Science teachers working in various schools. The data were analysed using content analysis. According to the students, it was determined that the unit was related to daily life and thereby making the learning environment more engaging, facilitated connections with real-world contexts, and increased interest in Science subjects. The Teachers' opinions revealed that the unit could contribute to the development of agricultural literacy and positive attitudes toward agriculture in students. In addition, the teachers stated that the unit could be integrated into the curriculum. The findings are consistent with the constructivist learning approach and interdisciplinary teaching principles.

Keywords

• Science education
• Agricultural education
• Agricultural literacy
• Curricılım development
• Qualitative research

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