Teachers’ perceptions of health education and middle school curriculum: A qualitative study

• Published in: Teaching and teacher education Vol. 117; p. 103765
• Main Authors: El Kazdouh, Hicham, El-Ammari, Abdelghaffar, Bouftini, Siham, El Fakir, Samira, El Achhab, Youness
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-09-2022
• Subjects: Adolescents' health promotion; Health education; Health promoting school; Moroccan curriculum; Teachers' perception; Teachers' perception; Moroccan curriculum; Health promoting school; Health education; Adolescents' health promotion
• ISSN: 0742-051X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2022.103765

This study sought to assess whether the Moroccan curriculum and whole school community achieve international recommendations on adolescents' health promotion by examining middle school curriculum and interviewing teachers of school subjects interested in health education. An analysis of school subjects' curricula regarding competencies, health topics, and learning objectives as well as a thematic analysis of focus groups transcripts were conducted. Findings highlighted that Moroccan curriculum and whole school community are inappropriate to the health-promoting school framework and face several barriers in promoting adolescent health. Teachers also emphasized some positive effects of extracurricular activities in health promotion and certain needs to improve its effectiveness. Teachers’ suggestions call for a comprehensive strategy considering international recommendations and involving all community actors in health education process. Ongoing training on health education representations and updated health knowledge and skills is a need for teachers to sustain their commitment to health education.
•Curriculum is more adapted to traditional health education than the holistic approach.•Lack of school facilities and equipment reduce teachers' commitment and motivation.•Teacher formation prevents active communication about sensitive issues with students.•The potential of school extracurricular activities in promoting adolescents' health.•A holistic approach targeting curriculum and involves all society actors is suggested.