A Qualitative Exploration on the Perceived Impact of the MATATAG Curriculum on Basic Education Teaching in the School Year 2024-2025

The MATATAG Curriculum is a comprehensive framework designed with courses, activities, and experiences to engage learners throughout their education. The main objective of this study was to explore and understand the perceived impact of the MATATAG Curriculum on basic education teaching for the school year 2024-2025, focusing on teacher perspectives, challenges, and the curriculum’s effectiveness in enhancing educational outcomes. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilizing a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as the primary approach. A purposive sampling method selected 30 teachers from different schools in the Agusan del Sur division based on their availability to participate. The data were rigorously coded and analyzed to ensure that the themes accurately reflected the teachers’ perspectives. The exploration revealed that participants perceived the MATATAG Curriculum as having the potential to significantly enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They anticipated that the curriculum’s emphasis on real-world problem-solving and interactive learning would foster a more analytical and creative learning environment, aligning with contemporary educational trends that support student-centered pedagogies. Participants also expected that the MATATAG Curriculum would shift teaching practices towards more student-centered methods and emphasize the integration of technology and competency-based education, both of which are recognized for improving educational outcomes. However, participants also expressed concerns about the need for extensive professional development and adequate resources to support the successful implementation of these new approaches. They identified insufficient professional development and training as major obstacles, along with anticipated resistance to change and adaptation issues. They highlighted that effective implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum depended on sufficient resources and institutional support. Future studies should assess the long-term effectiveness of the MATATAG Curriculum on student outcomes, teacher satisfaction, and overall educational quality.