Teachers’ Perceptions towards the Content of Secondary School Islamic Studies Curriculum in relation to Vocational Islamic Education Values in UAE
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Date
2016-06
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The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
Moral education is a fundamental component of Islamic Studies Curriculum therefore, Islamic
values in relation to Vocational and Technical Education are best taught through Islamic Studies.
This is an integrated way of education that encompasses all aspects of life including Vocational
and Technical fields.
The main purpose of this study is to investigate the teachers’ views towards including Islamic
values in the educational textbooks taught in vocational and technical schools in the United Arab
Emirates. The study comprises the participation of 56 Islamic Studies teachers, nine lead
teachers and two curriculum specialists from vocational and technical schools, centers and
institutes in the UAE. Multiple instruments were employed in a mixed methods approach to
collect sufficient data for the study. A questionnaire with close and open-ended questions was
used to report the teachers’ perceptions. Interviews were conducted from lead teachers and
curriculum specialists. Interviews were conducted to collect data to lead teachers and curriculum
specialists. This is in addition to analyzing contents of the prescribed Islamic Studies textbooks
relevant to grade 10.
The significant outcome indicated that age group is one of the main determinants of value
allocation within the Islamic Studies curriculum. Islamic values existed in the Islamic Studies
textbooks throughout the curriculum from G1 through G12. However, Grade 10 Islamic Studies
textbooks lacked these values in comparison to the actual teachings in Islam. Therefore, the
study recommends a fair distribution and reinforcement of values across the Islamic curriculum
by developing a new curriculum that incorporates morals and values. In addition, curriculum
training sessions for teachers are necessary to derive maximum values and Islamic principles.
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Keywords
vocational education in the UAE, Islamic studies content, Islamic values, United Arab Emirates (UAE), vocational Islamic education