Analyzing the Role of Flexible Curricula in Responding to the Diverse Needs of Learners
Keywords:
flexible curriculum, diverse learners’ needs, personalized learning, differentiated instruction, educational equityAbstract
This study aimed to systematically analyze the role of flexible curricula in addressing the diverse needs of learners. This qualitative study was based on a systematic review of scholarly literature. The research population included international articles in the field of flexible curriculum design, from which 15 articles were purposively selected. Data were analyzed using NVivo 14 through open, axial, and selective coding, following the principle of theoretical saturation. The analysis revealed that flexible curricula, by providing diversity in content, teaching methods, timing, learning environment, and educational resources, are capable of addressing learners’ cognitive, motivational, emotional, cultural, and social differences. These curricula enhance active engagement, intrinsic motivation, academic achievement, deep learning, self-regulation skills, and students’ sense of belonging, while reducing educational gaps. Furthermore, teacher empowerment, supportive educational policies, technological infrastructure, and flexible assessment systems were identified as essential institutional requirements for effective implementation. Flexible curricula serve as a powerful tool for improving learning quality and promoting educational equity. By responding to individual learner differences, they facilitate the development of cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Policymakers and schools can use these findings to design dynamic, responsive educational environments and prioritize teacher training and the use of educational technologies.
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