Designing an Optimal Pattern for Religious Education Curriculum at a Preschool

Abstract

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to design an optimal model for the religious education curriculum at a preschool. Method: In terms of objective, the present study is an applied one that has been done by qualitative method and through research synthesis. The statistical population consisted of all the domestic research related to the subject matter in the period of 1379 (SH) to 1399 (SH) and 1999 to 2019, and from among them, 55 (including 41 domestic and 14 foreign) studies as the samples were selected purposefully, and analyzed through the Roberts six-step model. Findings: The main finding of this study was to make a proposal for the religious education curriculum at a preschool. The proposal consisted of 10 elements based on the Akker’s approach. Conclusion: In the religious education of preschool children, all the aspects of a young learner’s existence must be considered with a holistic approach. The ultimate goal is flourishing the nature and good life of a child, and it can be achieved through the intermediate and behavioral goals of a young learner. The educational content should be based on religious teachings and educational objectives, and it should be provided for a learner through a teaching-learning activity appropriate to the interests and developmental needs of the children by an educator with moral, religious and professional competencies. The educator should mainly play a model and guidance role, and accelerate the flourishing of religious nature in children. The instructional materials should be varied, and selected as a package. An instructional space should have happy liviely facilities for play, and stimulate children’s curiosity. Evaluation should be a process and carried out using various tools such as behavior observation, workbook and parental opinion.

Keywords

• religious education
• peschool
• research synthesis
• curriculum