Background of the Study:
Religious education has historically been a powerful influence on shaping social behavior, particularly among youth in academic settings. In Yola North LGA, Adamawa State, the integration of religious teachings into secondary school curricula is viewed as a means of fostering positive social behaviors. The curriculum is designed to provide a moral framework that encourages respect, empathy, and community-mindedness. Religious teachings emphasize values such as compassion, tolerance, and mutual respect, all of which are essential for harmonious interpersonal relationships (Boko, 2023). Educators employ interactive methodologies—including discussions, role-playing, and community service projects—to translate these values into practical behavior. These pedagogical approaches aim to cultivate a sense of social responsibility among students, guiding them to engage in actions that benefit both themselves and the broader community. Recent studies indicate that regular engagement with religious education is associated with a reduction in antisocial behaviors and an increase in prosocial attitudes (Hassan, 2024). Moreover, the curriculum in Yola North LGA has been tailored to address modern social challenges such as bullying and social exclusion by incorporating contemporary examples alongside traditional teachings. This blend of old and new provides students with a comprehensive understanding of ethical conduct in a rapidly changing society. Consequently, religious education is seen as a critical tool in promoting a positive school climate and enhancing the overall social behavior of students. This study aims to explore the extent to which religious education influences social behavior and the mechanisms through which it fosters a more cohesive and inclusive environment (Abubakar, 2024).
Statement of the Problem:
Despite the positive theoretical foundations of religious education, concerns persist regarding its practical impact on the social behavior of secondary school students in Yola North LGA. Although the curriculum promotes values such as respect, empathy, and social responsibility, there is evidence of ongoing issues such as bullying, social isolation, and antisocial conduct in some schools. These discrepancies suggest that while students may understand the principles taught, the translation of these principles into everyday behavior is inconsistent. Contributing factors include variations in curriculum delivery, differing teacher interpretations, and external social influences that may counteract the intended effects of religious education (Jibril, 2023). Furthermore, the lack of standardized measures for assessing social behavior makes it challenging to determine the true impact of the curriculum. This gap between the ideal and the actual behavior calls for a thorough investigation into the effectiveness of religious education in fostering positive social interactions. The study seeks to identify the challenges that prevent the full realization of these values and to propose methods for improving the integration of religious teachings into everyday student behavior, thereby promoting a more harmonious and inclusive school environment (Abubakar, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To examine the impact of religious education on the social behavior of secondary school students.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of the religious education curriculum in promoting positive social interactions.
3. To propose strategies for enhancing the integration of religious teachings with social behavior development in schools.
Research Questions:
1. How does religious education influence the social behavior of secondary school students in Yola North LGA?
2. What aspects of the religious curriculum are most effective in promoting positive social behavior?
3. How can religious education be improved to better foster harmonious social interactions among students?
Research Hypotheses:
1. H1: Religious education significantly improves the social behavior of secondary school students.
2. H2: A comprehensive religious curriculum leads to more positive social interactions among students.
3. H3: Enhanced teaching methods in religious education contribute to a reduction in antisocial behaviors.
Significance of the Study:
This study is significant as it explores the critical influence of religious education on the social behavior of secondary school students. Its findings will inform educators and policymakers on potential curriculum reforms to promote positive social interactions and a more inclusive school environment, ultimately fostering a more harmonious community (Boko, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to secondary schools in Yola North LGA and focuses exclusively on the impact of religious education on social behavior. It examines curriculum and instructional practices without considering external social influences.
Definitions of Terms:
• Social Behavior: The interactions and conduct of individuals within a social setting.
• Prosocial Behavior: Actions intended to benefit others, including cooperation and empathy.
• Religious Education: A program designed to impart religious values and ethical principles.
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