Identity in Education: The Identity-Creating Teacher, the Identity-Constructing Content

Author: Mr. Eshagh Shirinkam

Affiliation: Assistant Professor at Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University of Tehran, Iran

Published on: October 7, 2025

Journal Name: Vijoriya International Journal for Research & Innovation , Year-2025, Volume-1, Issue-1 [ July to December ]

Page Number :  51 - 62

ISSN: Yet to Assign

Abstract:
This study examines the role of identity formation in educational settings, focusing on how teachers and curriculum content contribute to fostering identity among learners, addressing key questions about the characteristics of identity-creating teachers and the types of content that support identity construction. Employing a qualitative approach based on Creswell's (1995) classification and Brody's explicit deductive method, the research utilizes a predetermined tripartite identity model—encompassing foundations, components, and processes—as its theoretical foundation, with data collected through document analysis of scholarly literature, indexed articles, and educational texts, ensuring credibility via expert consultations and reliability through inter-rater scoring. The findings identify eight core components essential for identity formation: connection, awareness, value, unity, experience, manifestation, empowerment, and stability, where teachers facilitate these through emotional and intellectual bonds, student-centered facilitative approaches, and experiential learning, while content must align with students' lives, maintain coherence across grades, and encourage practical demonstration and empowerment. Ultimately, the research concludes that a well-structured, student-focused educational environment integrating these components is crucial for developing stable, coherent identities, emphasizing the need for Iran's educational system to prioritize consistent, value-aligned, and empowering methodologies to enhance cultural and spiritual resilience in future generations.

Keywords: Education, Identity-Creating Teacher, Identity-Constructing Content