DEPED Order (Do) No. 010, S. 2024: Unveiling the Lived Experiences of Araling Panlipunan Teachers in the Implementation of Matatag Curriculum

Turning Challenges into Triumphs. This qualitative research aimed to explore the lived experiences of Araling Panlipunan teachers in the Municipality of Malapatan about implementing the MATATAG Curriculum. Specifically, the study focused on the challenges they encountered, the coping mechanisms they employed, and their insights into the curriculum’s implementation. The study utilized a phenomenological qualitative research design, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten (10) Araling Panlipunan teachers. To analyze the data, thematic analysis was employed, following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework: familiarization with data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and producing the report. This method identified recurring patterns and core meanings within the participants’ narratives. Several strategies were implemented to ensure the validity and trustworthiness of the findings: triangulation through cross-checking of data, member checking to verify the accuracy of the transcriptions and interpretations with the participants, and peer debriefing to minimize researcher bias. Additionally, thick descriptions were used to provide detailed accounts of the participants’ experiences, enhancing transferability. The findings revealed major themes in the teachers’ lived experiences: the difficulty of teaching Araling Panlipunan and the limited time allocated for instruction. The challenges identified included the struggle to cover all required content, insufficient instructional materials, and inadequate teacher training. Teachers reported maximizing available resources and time as coping mechanisms and integrating technology in their lessons. Their insights emphasized the need for continuous professional development and the development of contextualized learning materials.