Formulation of a conceptual framework for the need assessment of high school students: An Approach to Practical Teaching Theory

The main purpose of the present study was to develop a framework for measuring the needs of high school students in order to rich formal school curricula and practice of teaching. Theoretical hypothesis of research is based on Schwab’s practical theory in curriculum and teaching, which it should be based on the needs and interests of students.

The research approach is quantitative and its strategy is survey. The population was the whole high school students in Kurdistan. The sampling methods was mixed, using multistage cluster and stratified sampling. In line with this, the sample size was 381 for theoretical and 367 for technical and vocational students, which were selected in 5 districts in Kurdistan. The collecting tool was a researcher-made questionnaire entitled “comprehensive needs of high school students’ questionnaire”.

The results showed the students’ needs included two main directions: the educational needs related to curriculum and school environment, with four dimensions; and the general and supportive needs with seven dimensions. In the first case, the need for guiding students to continue their studying in universities was the main priority. In general, and supportive needs, psychological-physical needs, computer and internet skills, and economics needs were the main priorities.