CURRENT STATE OF THE GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM IN AZERBAIJAN AND AREAS REQUIRING IMPROVEMENT
Abstract. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the general education curriculum in Azerbaijan through surveys, statistical research, and analytical methods based on the perspectives of various stakeholders, including teachers and administrators. The primary data collection methods consisted of structured surveys and questionnaires distributed among a broad group of edu cation professionals to gather their views on different aspects of the curriculum. The surveys focused on issues such as the timely delivery of curriculum updates, teacher involvement in curriculum design, and the adequacy of professional de velopment for educators. In addition, the study examined perceptions regarding the effectiveness of current assessment systems, including both formative and summative approaches, as well as the integration of digital resources into the teaching process. The collected data were analyzed using statistical methods to identify key trends and patterns. The findings revealed that although the majority of respondents believe that the curriculum is generally aligned with school obje ctives and contributes to the development of essential life skills, there are notable gaps in areas such as teachers’ readiness to apply innovative teaching methods and the effective use of digital resources. The survey also highlighted that many teachers feel they do not receive sufficient training or support to implement the curriculum effectively. Based on the results, several areas requiring improve ment were identified, including the enhancement of teachers’ professional deve lopment, the modernization of instructional materials in line with contemporary pedagogical requirements, and the strengthening of the integration of digital to ols and inclusive education practices. In conclusion, while the general education curriculum in Azerbaijan has achieved significant progress, continuous efforts are necessary to ensure its effective implementation and alignment with modern educational standards.
Keywords: general education curriculum, competency-based education, student-centered approach, assessment system, differentiated instruction, inclusive education, digital resources, teacher training
