The study on development of history curriculum based on authentic learning concepts and  history subject concepts for grades 6-11 in schools in Sri Lanka
Creators: name: Dharamapala, D. H. Chandima Nishani
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025
Subjects: Keywords: History Curriculum; History Subject Concepts; Authentic Learning; Real Life Learning; Future Life Learning; Schools Grades 6-11; Life Beyond School; Integrated Learning Model;

description: Abstract: This study has attempted to provide practical advice related to the main research question of how to develop an integrated curriculum model of authentic learning concepts and history subject concepts so that the history curriculum related to grades 6-11 in schools in Sri Lanka appropriate the 21st century. This study was conducted under four main objectives that were built cover the research gap identified after a literature review at local and foreign. That is 01. Identify authentic learning concepts and history subject concepts included in the current history curriculum, 02. Exploration of authentic learning concepts and history subject concepts to be included in the new education reform process of 2023 according to the 2015 curriculum framework, 03. Investigating how to develop an integrated learning model of history subject concepts and authentic learning concepts and 04. Redesigning Sri Lankan Grades 6-11 History Curriculum according to an integrated learning model of authentic learning concepts and history subject concepts to appropriate the 21st century. The findings of this study are directly related to improving the potential of the National Institute of Education's history curriculum planning and development process. For this study, qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted in accordance with the mixed methods research paradigm, and data and information were collected using mixed instruments developed according to the study methodology, namely questionnaires, interviews, observations and document review. In the sampling frame of the study, 340 participants were invited in a mixed sample combining probability and non-probability methods, of which 329 actually participated in the study. That sample represents the actual and target population of the study. Its reliability level is 95%. The error margin is 5%. For the analysis of primary and secondary data collected, the results were generated according to a mixed analysis procedure combining structural equation modeling and thematic analysis methods according to Microsoft Excel and Word operating systems 2016. The study revealed 10 practical problems in the current 2015 history curriculum. Also, six subject concepts, fifteen subject units, seven subject themes, eight unique learning methods and eleven authentic learning and student creativity development programs were identified to be included in the development of the 6-11 grade history curriculum in Sri Lankan schools to suit the 21st century. Integrating these findings, it is suggested that schools 6-11 history curriculum in Sri Lanka should be developed. The results of this study were compared with the findings of previous research. According to these findings, reviewing the history curriculum planning system and adapting it to modern methods is a very important need of the hour. For that, the top management initiative and involvement of the line ministry is essential. As there are some limitations to such measures, it is recommended to build a study direction for future research on this study. Also, the validity of these study findings should be further confirmed by future research. From the point of view of other stakeholders, i.e. from the organizational and management point of view, attention should also be paid to the relationship between subject concepts that are rapidly changing in time. It is hoped that this research will serve as a strong foundation for future research in considering its implications for researchers, academics, educational management and policy makers on the importance of a system of developing history curriculum to suit the 21st century.