Requirements to activate children’s Islamic education concepts learning in childhood education classes

Abstract

The requirements for activating the teaching of Islamic education assume a critical role in enhancing teachers' competencies, augmenting their knowledge, honing their skills, and deepening their understanding of Islamic education. These requirements are essential for achieving the desired educational goals in this domain. The objective of this study is to identify the requirements necessary for activating the learning of Islamic education concepts among young children (aged 5-7 years) during early childhood education classes. To achieve this aim, a convenient sample of 37 early childhood education teachers was selected from the northern region of Jordan. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were validated and tested for reliability. Qualitative research procedures were employed to analyze the collected data. The study findings revealed a set of crucial and indispensable prerequisites for promoting the learning of Islamic education concepts in early childhood education classes. These prerequisites were classified into six principal categories, which comprised: developing the child's holistic personality, selecting appropriate learning methods and strategies for children, utilizing and designing illustrations and learning tasks, analyzing learning materials, adopting an integrated approach, and evaluating children's learning. Based on these findings, several recommendations were proposed to enhance the professional and pedagogical competencies of early childhood education teachers, enabling them to promote and activate the learning of Islamic education concepts among young children.