IMPACT OF ISLAMIC STUDIES CURRICULUM ON ISLAMIC SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MORAL BEHAVIOR IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LAGOS STATE

ABDULAZEEZ, M. A.

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Islamic Studies curriculum on Islamic schools students’ moral behaviour in Junior Secondary Schools in Lagos State. The objectives of the study were to: find out whether the Learning materials (curriculum, recommended textbooks etc.) and teaching techniques employed by Islamic studies teachers will be effective in inculcating moral values; examine whether Islamic studies will have any significant influence on students’ moral behaviour; and to observe Islamic Studies student’s moral uprightness in schools. Primary data were collected with the aid of a self-structured questionnaire administered on 304 randomly selected Islamic Studies students, while the researcher also observed the characters of the students using scheduled observation method. The data collected were analysed using frequency distribution tables, and Ch-Square, with the use of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS 21.0), at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that Islamic Studies learning materials helped to inculcate in the learners true and balanced value at an age when the learners’ mental and moral development is at a formative stage and that Islamic Studies curriculum has positive impacts on Islamic school students’ moral behaviour. The study, therefore recommended among others that Islamic Studies teachers should realise that effective teaching can result in the attainment of both academic and moral goals; schools should provide adequate reference Islamic studies textbooks for students’ use; and that parents should encourage but not enforce children to study Islamic Studies, so that they can inculcate more positive moral values.