Pupils’ Attitude Towards the Study of Islam in Ghanaian Basic Schools: A Survey

Abstract

The study sought to explore the attitude of pupils towards the study of Islamic content in Religious and Moral Education in the Kwahu-East District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The convergent mixed method research design was adopted for the study. Using the cluster sampling, multi-stage involving the proportional allocation of sample size and simple random sampling as well as the census method, 339 respondents consisting of 285 JHS 3 pupils and 54 R.M.E teachers were selected for the study. The questionnaire and observation guide were used to gather the requisite data for the study. The data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation, independent samples t-test as well as ANOVA. The study found out that the pupils were familiar with the Islamic content of Religious and Moral Education, and the RME teachers used the appropriate methods to deliver the Islamic content of RME. Yet, the teachers failed to use most of the pedagogies available at their disposal such as: the use of a resource person; field trip method; role-play method; learner-centred method; and failed to relate the Islamic content of RME to the real life experiences of pupils. Again, it was found out that, pupils were indifferent towards the study of Islamic content of Religious and Moral Education. The study recommended that, RME teachers should identify areas/topics in the Islamic content of RME that pupils face difficulties with and assist them. Also, RME teachers should look for captivating ways to deliver the Islamic content of RME lessons in order to stimulate learners’ interest. Again, RME teachers should adopt the learner-centred method and should endeavor to call on a resource person for assistance.