Exploring akhlaq development among children of single parents : a case study at a primary school in Ampang

Abstract

The akhlaq of today's school children can be said to be very unsatisfying and frustrating. Many factors are said to be the causes of the issue. This study however investigates the issue of akhlaq development among school children raised by single parents at a primary school in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. This study therefore aims at studying the negative influence of single parenting on children’s akhlaq. The study is a qualitative method in which data was collected in via interview and observation. The sample of the study consisted a total of six students raised by single parents and two teachers were interviewed to answer the research questions and achieve the study’s objectives. Generated in the form of interview transcripts, data was thematically analysed in addition to the observation notes, resulting in the identification of several themes and subthemes. The findings revealed that the prevailing themes in relation to the effect of single parenting on children’s akhlaq include experience, emotions, attitude, behavior, personality and manner of speech. The teachers, on the other hand, recommended strategies which consider teachers’ role such as Implementation of targhib and tarhib method according to the Qur'an, make the Prophet PBUH as the best role model, taking ibrah from al-Quran by storytelling and Implement the process of ta’aruf, tafahum, ta'awun and takaful. Besides school initiatives, peer influence and parental involvement also play a role in order to effectively address the subject of akhlaq deterioration among the school children. The findings of this study are beneficial to relevant stakeholders such as teachers, parents, and the students themselves. The study ends by providing ways in which future research in the area can be developed. Keyword: Single Parenting, School Children, Akhlaq Development.