Investigating the Obstacles to Operationalizing the Philosophy Education Program for Children and Explaining the Solutions to Realize It

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Phd studentsDepartment of Education, Payame Noor University,Tehran. Iran

2 Professor of Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The purpose  of this study was to investigate the obstacles to implementing the Philosophy for Children (PFC) program in Iran and to explain the strategies for its implementation. 1- What are the obstacles and solutions to implementing the FBC program in Iran?The statistical population of the study consisted of all experts in the field of philosophy for children, education, university professors, and education managers in Iran. Using a purposive sampling method and observing the theoretical saturation criterion, a sample of 30 people (including philosophy for children experts, education experts, field and university professors, and education managers) In the year 202 was selected. The research method was qualitative and qualitative content analysis. To collect data, content analysis of documents (including Lippman's works, scientific articles, and upstream education documents) and semi-structured interview tools were used. The validity of the interview tool was ensured through content review by 12 experts and alignment with theoretical foundations, and its reliability was confirmed by the agreement method between coders and review by 12 participants. The interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that operationalizing the FBEC program in Iran requires attention to three levels: principles and policies (including policy conflicts), strategies, and operational implementation, taking into account limitations. The study concluded that the FBEC program is feasible with intelligent localization and reform of educational infrastructure. The findings are useful for both the academic community (developing a local theoretical framework) and policymakers and teachers (providing practical guidance). It is suggested that a national strategic document for the FBEC be developed with broad stakeholder participation and its pilot implementation in selected schools with documented monitoring be considered.

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 29 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 01 February 2026
  • First Publish Date: 21 February 2026
  • Publish Date: 21 March 2026

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