Research article    |    Open Access
Curricular Studies & Perspectives 2025, Vol. 1(1) 69-85

Curriculum development and philosophical analysis of the Azerbaijan biology curriculum: a comprehensive examination of 21st century educational reform

Baylar Aliyev

pp. 69 - 85   |  DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/csp.2025.1384.5

Publish Date: December 29, 2025  |   Single/Total View: 26/11   |   Single/Total Download: 38/13


Abstract

The Azerbaijan Biology curriculum has undergone substantial transformation since the country's independence, transitioning from Soviet-era pedagogical models to contemporary, constructivist frameworks aligned with global educational standards. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the curriculum's development from both programmatic and philosophical perspectives, examining its structural organization, pedagogical foundations, and integration of modern technologies. Drawing on official curriculum documents, educational policy analyses, and comparative international research, this study evaluates how Azerbaijan's biology education has evolved to meet 21st-century demands while preserving national values. The findings reveal a progressive framework that successfully integrates STEAM methodologies, inquiry-based learning, and sustainable development principles, though challenges remain in teacher preparation and resource allocation. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on post-Soviet educational reform and offers insights for other nations undertaking similar curriculum transformations.

Keywords: Azerbaijan education, biology curriculum, constructivism, STEAM education, spiral curriculum.


How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
Aliyev, B. (2025). Curriculum development and philosophical analysis of the Azerbaijan biology curriculum: a comprehensive examination of 21st century educational reform. Curricular Studies & Perspectives, 1(1), 69-85. https://doi.org/10.29329/csp.2025.1384.5

Harvard
Aliyev, B. (2025). Curriculum development and philosophical analysis of the Azerbaijan biology curriculum: a comprehensive examination of 21st century educational reform. Curricular Studies & Perspectives, 1(1), pp. 69-85.

Chicago 16th edition
Aliyev, Baylar (2025). "Curriculum development and philosophical analysis of the Azerbaijan biology curriculum: a comprehensive examination of 21st century educational reform". Curricular Studies & Perspectives 1 (1):69-85. https://doi.org/10.29329/csp.2025.1384.5

References
  1. Ahmadov, I. S., Muradova, E. A., & Mustafayev, G. T. (2009). Scientific sources of ecological education and its development in Azerbaijan. Scientific Sources of the Rusenskiy University, 48(6.2), 76–80. [Google Scholar]
  2. Akhundova, S. M., & Bunyatova, L. N. (2021). The role of the concept of sustainable development in chemistry and biology education. Sumgayit State University, 150, 323–324. [Google Scholar]
  3. Appiah, K. A. (2006). Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a world of strangers. W. W. Norton & Company. [Google Scholar]
  4. Asadova, A. A. (2025). Context-based interdisciplinary chemistry teaching in Azerbaijani secondary schools: A pedagogical model. International Forum: Problems and Scientific Solutions, (258), 39–43. [Google Scholar]
  5. Aydemir, H., & Palancıoğlu, Ö. V. (2023). Comparison of Türkiye and Azerbaijan primary school life science curriculum. Türk Akademik Yayınlar Dergisi (TAY Journal), 7(Special Issue), 21–42. https://doi.org/10.29329/tayjournal.2023.609.02 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  6. Babayeva, Z. (2023). Determination of teaching strategies considered necessary in teaching biology. International Journal of Educational Spectrum, 5(2), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.47806/ijesacademic.1273224 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  7. [Google Scholar]
  8. Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 5(1), 7–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/0969595980050102 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  9. Bowen, G. A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27–40. https://doi.org/10.3316/QRJ0902027 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  10. Bruner, J. S. (1960). The process of education. Harvard University Press. [Google Scholar]
  11. Bruner, J. S. (1966). Toward a theory of instruction. Harvard University Press. [Google Scholar]
  12. Coelho, C. S., & Moles, A. (2016). The spiral curriculum and the acquisition of procedural knowledge in biochemistry: A comparative study. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 44(2), 167–176. https://doi.org/10.1002/bmb.20944 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  13. Driver, R., Squires, A., Rushworth, P., & Wood-Robinson, V. (1994). Making sense of secondary science: Research into children’s ideas. Routledge. [Google Scholar]
  14. Harden, R. M., & Stamper, N. (1999). What is a spiral curriculum? Medical Teacher, 21(2), 141–143. https://doi.org/10.1080/01421599979752 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  15. Jesionkowska, J., Wild, F., & Deval, Y. (2020). Active learning augmented reality for STEAM education: A case study. Education Sciences, 10(8), Article 198. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10080198 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  16. Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T., & Smith, K. A. (2014). Cooperative learning: Improving university instruction by basing practice on validated theory. Journal on Excellence in College Teaching, 25(3–4), 85–118. [Google Scholar]
  17. Kirschner, P. A., Sweller, J., & Clark, R. E. (2006). Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: An analysis of the failure of constructivist, discovery, problem-based, experiential, and inquiry-based teaching. Educational Psychologist, 41(2), 75–86. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep4102_1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  18. Merchant, Z., Goetz, E. T., Cifuentes, L., Keeney-Kennicutt, W., & Davis, T. J. (2014). Effectiveness of virtual reality-based instruction on students’ learning outcomes in K–12 and higher education: A meta-analysis. Computers & Education, 70, 29–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2013.07.033 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  19. Mikropoulos, T. A., & Natsis, A. (2011). Educational virtual environments: A ten-year review of empirical research (1999–2009). Computers & Education, 56(3), 769–780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.10.020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  20. Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. (2023). “Biologiya” fənni üzrə təhsil proqramı (kurikulum) (VII–XI siniflər) [Biology subject curriculum (Grades VII–XI)]. Institute of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. [Google Scholar]
  21. Minner, D. D., Levy, A. J., & Century, J. (2010). Inquiry-based science instruction—What is it and does it matter? Results from a research synthesis years 1984 to 2002. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 47(4), 474–496. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.20347 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  22. National Research Council. (2012). A framework for K–12 science education: Practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/13165 [Google Scholar] [Crossref] 
  23. Pellegrino, J. W., Chudowsky, N., & Glaser, R. (Eds.). (2001). Knowing what students know: The science and design of educational assessment. National Academies Press. [Google Scholar]
  24. Reforms in Azerbaijan. (n.d.). Education reform. https://reforms.az/en/reforms/education-reform [Google Scholar]
  25. Samadova, T. (n.d.). Curriculum development and reform in Azerbaijan: Policy vs. practice. UNESCO International Bureau of Education. [Google Scholar]
  26. STEAM Azerbaijan. (n.d.). STEAM education in Azerbaijan. https://steam.edu.az/en [Google Scholar]
  27. Tyler, R. W. (1949). Basic principles of curriculum and instruction. University of Chicago Press. [Google Scholar]
  28. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press. [Google Scholar]
  29. Windschitl, M. (2002). Framing constructivism in practice as the negotiation of dilemmas: An analysis of the conceptual, pedagogical, cultural, and political challenges facing teachers. Review of Educational Research, 72(2), 131-175. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543072002131 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]