Challenges in Teaching and Learning Developed Mathematics Curricula in Elementary Education: Perspectives of Teachers and Supervisors

This study examines the challenges associated with teaching and learning the developed mathematics curricula in elementary education and explores effective strategies for overcoming these difficulties from the perspectives of teachers and supervisors. Using a descriptive research design, the study employed a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 255 mathematics teachers and 40 mathematics supervisors affiliated with the Central Administration of Al-Azhar Institutes in Dakahlia Governorate. The findings highlight significant pedagogical and curricular challenges categorized into seven key dimensions: curricular objectives, mathematical content, instructional activities, teaching strategies, assessment methods, student engagement, and teacher preparedness. The study identifies several obstacles, including inconsistencies in numerical notation, a lack of real-world applications within mathematical content, limited differentiation in instructional strategies, and ineffective assessment mechanisms that fail to accommodate students’ cognitive development. To address these challenges, the study proposes targeted interventions such as standardizing numerical representation by adopting Arabic numerals from the kindergarten stage, enhancing curriculum relevance by integrating mathematics with real-life applications, differentiating instructional approaches to cater to diverse learning needs, implementing adaptive teaching strategies aligned with students’ comprehension levels, and developing a structured assessment framework for evaluating student progress in the early elementary grades. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on curriculum development and instructional reform in mathematics education. They provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, curriculum designers, and educators seeking to enhance the effectiveness of mathematics instruction in elementary education.