This master's thesis examines quality general education, the importance of knowledge within it, and the expectations of third triad of primary school teachers, regarding students' acquisition of knowledge. The theoretical part presents the role of the school, based on the understanding that its fundamental role is to transmit the knowledge accumulated throughout history. It further explores the humanistic concept of general education and the changes in understanding knowledge within quality general education, which is increasingly associated with practical applicability, competencies, labour market demands, and future employability. In addition, the thesis presents the legislative and curricular framework of primary education in Slovenia, with particular emphasis on the role of learning goals and knowledge standards in the national curriculum.
The empirical part investigates how teachers of the third triad of primary school understand quality general education and the role of knowledge within it, how they assess the learning goals and knowledge standards prescribed in the curriculum of the subjects they teach, and what expectations they place on students regarding knowledge acquisition and the use of learning materials. The study was conducted using a questionnaire administered to a sample of 152 teachers from the koroška, savinjska, and podravska statistical regions of Slovenia. The findings indicate that teachers' declared views on the importance of knowledge in quality general education are not entirely consistent with their assessments of the curriculum, their lesson planning and teaching practices, or the expectations they place on students. Their evaluations and expectations reveal a shift towards the practical applicability of knowledge and a growing emphasis on integrating content related to labour market needs and future employability.
These findings therefore raise the question of which forms of knowledge are being prioritised within quality general education and how they contribute to the development of critical, autonomous, and responsible individuals.
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