The purpose of the present study is to design an integrative model based on Philosophy for Children (P4C) and Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) to enhance the quality of primary education in Iran. These two approaches respectively emphasize fostering critical and caring thinking through philosophical dialogue and improving teachers’ ability to connect subject content with appropriate teaching strategies. The main problem addressed in this research is the lack of localized and integrative frameworks in primary education for the simultaneous development of students’ cognitive, moral, and conceptual skills.



This study adopts a qualitative and applied research design employing the Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology. Data were collected through document analysis, theoretical framework review, and semi-structured interviews with 10 experts in the field of education. Thematic analysis was used to examine the collected data.



Based on the findings, an integrative model was designed comprising six core components: objectives, content, teaching strategies, teacher’s role, learner’s role, and assessment methods. The proposed model was validated by experts and demonstrated the potential to effectively combine content-based instruction with the cultivation of students’ thinking skills.



Furthermore, the model promotes dialogue-centered classrooms, enhances meaningful learning, and fosters active student participation. Given its flexibility, the model is adaptable to localized contexts and can be widely implemented in concept-oriented subjects in primary education. It can also serve as a practical guide for teachers, curriculum designers, and teacher training programs seeking to integrate philosophical inquiry with pedagogical content knowledge in the classroom.