Analyzing the Barriers to Achieving the Goals and the Challenges Facing Student Research Centers from the Perspectives of Administrators and Teachers: Implications for Improving Educational Planning

Document Type : research article

Authors

1 Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Ph.D. in Curriculum, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Iran

3 Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan, Tabriz, Iran

10.22080/eps.2025.29308.2343

Abstract

Aim: Student research centers play a vital role in fostering students’ creativity and research skills. However, these centers face various challenges in achieving their intended goals, which require thorough examination. This study aims to identify and analyze the challenges confronting student research centers from the perspectives of two key stakeholder groups—administrators and subject-specialist teachers—and to explore their implications for effective educational planning. The research seeks to better understand the obstacles hindering these centers from realizing their mission of promoting research and creativity among students.
Methodology: A qualitative approach was employed using content analysis of semi-structured interviews. The study population consisted of all managers and subject teachers involved in student research centers in East Azerbaijan Province during the 2024–2025 academic year. A purposive sampling method was used, selecting 15 managers and 25 teachers based on their experience and active engagement in these centers. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis, and strategies such as peer review and alignment with theoretical frameworks and previous studies were used to enhance the trustworthiness of the findings.
Findings: The results showed that managers and specialized secretaries face distinct challenges in systemic, infrastructural, attitudinal, and skill dimensions that affect the overall performance of research centers and the achievement of their planned objectives.
Conclusions and suggestions: infrastructural, attitudinal, and skill-based dimensions. These challenges significantly impact the overall performance of student research centers and hinder the achievement of their intended goals. A comparative analysis of the perspectives of managers and teachers reveals a significant gap between the original objectives of these centers (enhancing research and creativity) and their practical implementation. The findings highlight the need for revisiting relevant educational policies and planning strategies, emphasizing a coordinated and multi-faceted approach to address the identified challenges from both managerial and instructional standpoints.
Innovation and originality: By providing a detailed categorization of the challenges from the perspectives of administrators and teachers and highlighting their viewpoints, this study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the current situation and the underlying causes of existing problems. This, in turn, lays the groundwork for more targeted educational planning and more effective policy interventions aimed at improving the performance of these centers.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Educational Planning Studies
Volume 14, Issue 27
September 2025
Pages 90-112

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 30 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 July 2025

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