Design and Validation of an Integrated Curriculum Model for Nature-Based and Digital Education in Primary School

Abstract

This study aimed to design and validate an integrated curriculum model that synthesizes nature-based and digital education for first-cycle primary students. A mixed-methods approach was employed. The qualitative phase used research synthesis based on Roberts’ six-stage model and thematic analysis of 18 selected studies. In the quantitative phase, evaluation research was conducted using a researcher-developed questionnaire whose content validity was confirmed by CVR with 12 experts and reliability by Cronbach’s alpha and agreement coefficient. The validated model is structured around the ten elements of the Akker curriculum framework and encompasses four core dimensions: philosophical, strategic, infrastructural, and human. Expert evaluation results indicate strong internal coherence and high content validity, supporting the model’s practical applicability in primary education. The proposed model offers an effective and holistic framework for harmonizing natural and digital learning experiences and provides a viable foundation for balanced, future-oriented primary education.