Background of the Study
In an increasingly globalized world, the understanding of human rights has become a fundamental component of modern education. In Minna LGA, Niger State, religious education in secondary schools plays a crucial role in shaping students’ perceptions of human rights. The curriculum is designed to integrate religious teachings with universal values of dignity, equality, and justice, thereby creating a framework that emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the inherent rights of every individual (Okoro, 2023). Religious doctrines often highlight principles such as compassion, fairness, and respect for others, which can serve as a foundation for human rights education. However, traditional approaches in religious education sometimes focus more on ritualistic practices rather than fostering critical understanding of contemporary human rights issues. Recent pedagogical reforms have sought to address this gap by incorporating discussions on modern human rights challenges, including discrimination, freedom of expression, and social justice (Okoro, 2023; Balogun, 2024).
Despite these efforts, there remains a significant disparity between the theoretical ideals presented in the classroom and the practical realities experienced by students. The methods employed in delivering religious education vary widely, with some educators adopting interactive and student-centered approaches while others continue to rely on rote learning and memorization. This inconsistency has led to divergent levels of understanding among students regarding the practical implications of human rights in their daily lives. Moreover, external socio-cultural influences, such as community practices and media narratives, often intersect with religious teachings in complex ways, further complicating the transmission of human rights values. This study intends to explore how religious education impacts students’ understanding of human rights, focusing on the effectiveness of current instructional methods and the challenges that hinder the full realization of human rights principles in the educational context. The research aims to provide insights that will inform curriculum development and teacher training programs, ensuring that religious education can more effectively contribute to a broader understanding of human rights among secondary school students (Balogun, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
While religious education has the potential to reinforce the importance of human rights by promoting values such as dignity, equality, and justice, secondary schools in Minna LGA face challenges in translating these ideals into a practical understanding among students. Traditional methods of instruction, which heavily emphasize doctrinal recitation, often fail to provide the critical framework necessary for students to engage with contemporary human rights issues. This shortfall has resulted in a significant gap between the intended ethical teachings and the actual comprehension and application of human rights principles by students (Balogun, 2024). Furthermore, the diverse socio-cultural environment in which these schools operate contributes to a multiplicity of interpretations regarding what constitutes human rights, thereby complicating the delivery of a unified message. The variability in teacher expertise and the lack of updated pedagogical materials further exacerbate these challenges. As a result, students may develop a limited or skewed understanding of human rights that does not fully align with international standards. This study seeks to systematically evaluate the impact of religious education on students’ understanding of human rights, aiming to identify the pedagogical gaps and propose strategies to enhance the curriculum. By addressing these issues, the study hopes to contribute to the development of an educational framework that not only imparts religious values but also empowers students with a comprehensive understanding of human rights, thereby preparing them for active participation in a just and equitable society (Okoro, 2023; Balogun, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the impact of religious education on students’ understanding of human rights.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of current teaching strategies in conveying human rights concepts.
3. To propose curriculum enhancements that integrate contemporary human rights education with religious teachings.
Research Questions
1. How does religious education influence students’ understanding of human rights?
2. What teaching strategies are most effective in conveying human rights concepts within religious education?
3. What challenges hinder the effective integration of human rights principles in religious instruction?
Research Hypotheses
1. Religious education positively influences students’ understanding of human rights.
2. Interactive and context-based teaching methods improve comprehension of human rights.
3. Limited teacher training in modern human rights issues negatively affects students’ understanding.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it explores the intersection between religious education and human rights understanding among secondary school students in Minna LGA. Its findings will assist educators and curriculum developers in designing effective strategies to integrate human rights principles with traditional religious teachings, thereby promoting a more informed and ethically conscious student body. The research contributes to efforts aimed at nurturing responsible, rights-aware citizens (Okoro, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to secondary schools in Minna LGA and focuses exclusively on the impact of religious education on students’ understanding of human rights. It does not consider other sources of human rights education outside the classroom.
Definitions of Terms
1. Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled.
2. Religious Education: Formal instruction in religious beliefs, doctrines, and moral values.
3. Curriculum: A structured set of educational courses and content provided to students.
Chapter One: Introduction
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