Teachers’ Difficulties in Implementing Thematic Teaching and Learning in Elementary Schools

Th e objective of this study was to identify teachers' diffi culties in implementing thematic learning in elementary schools.Th e study was phenomenology-type qualitative research.Data were collected through interviews followed by focus group discussion; the focus group discussion involved 15 elementary school teachers from eight provinces that had implemented Curriculum 2013.Th e data were analyzed by means of Cresswell's steps.Th e results of the study showed that teachers encountered obstacles in selecting appropriate problems and themes within thematic, scientifi c and problem-based learning and in managing time for project-based learning.Th e availability of learning facilities was still limited.Th e problems found at the assessment stage was the teachers' capacity in selecting appropriate techniques, in creating good instruments and in formulating clear assessment criteria.