Table 3 Extracted themes and sub-themes from content analysis of the data

Novel educational policymaking

Focusing on upstream policies

The leading role of policies, creating opportunities by policies, the need for positive attitude of change-oriented policies, creating support through policies

Stakeholder engagement

Attracting the support of managers, the need for colleagues’ engagement, clarifying the program, and making clear program goals

An integrated educational system

Step-by-step planning, coherence of programs, allocation of time for program acceptance, creativity in planning

Innovative education-oriented platform

Expanding teacher’s teaching capacities

Making teachers informed, the need to be ready for change, change in attitude, the importance of empowerment, gaining skills to apply technology

Preparing students

Informing students about the teaching method, creating a pleasant atmosphere in the classroom, the need for the students to be aware of their responsibility, making the classroom exciting and energetic, establishing a friendly relationship with the students

Provision of facilities

Providing sufficient and trained workforce, appropriate structure and platform, providing the required facilities, supplying financial resources

Managing barriers of innovative educational approaches

Identifying inhibiting factors

Teachers’ resistance, students’ resistance, lack of required capabilities, lack of motivation, lack of facilities, lack of financial support

Eliminating barriers

Accurate and principled policymaking, the need for forward-looking and open policies, allocation of resources, financial support, and workforce training