Innovation in Teaching, Learning and Evaluation

Innovation in Teaching, Learning and Evaluation

Investigating the Role of Teacher Agency in the Successful Implementation of Personalized Learning Models in Public Elementary Schools in the Central Cities of Mazandaran Province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Department of Educational Sciences, Chalous Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chalous, Iran
Abstract
This study examined the role of teacher agency in the successful implementation of personalized learning approaches in public elementary schools located in the central cities of Mazandaran Province. A total of 352 teachers were selected through stratified sampling, and data were collected using a standardized Teacher Agency Scale and a researcher-developed Personalized Learning Questionnaire. After establishing data normality, validity, and reliability, analyses were conducted using regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings indicated that teachers reported relatively high levels of agency across the dimensions of professional capability, situational understanding, and capacity for informed decision-making. Personalized learning practices were also implemented at moderate to high levels. Regression results showed that teacher agency explained 41% of the variance in personalized learning. SEM results further confirmed a well-fitting model, with a strong and significant direct path from teacher agency to personalized learning. Overall, the study demonstrates that teacher agency is a key determinant in the quality of personalized learning implementation in elementary schools. Enhancing teacher autonomy, professional self-efficacy, and decision-making power can provide a solid foundation for expanding student-centered and adaptive learning approaches.
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