The role of Islamic education teachers in character building among Muslim students : a case study of Islam Sri Ayutthaya Foundation School, Thailand

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the roles of Islamic education teachers in character building among Muslim students at Islam Sri Ayutthaya Foundation School, Thailand. It aims to determine the significant roles of Islamic education teachers and to identify teaching methods which affect character building among the students. Furthermore, the study also records the experiences of Islamic education teachers in the development of character building in the school. The research applies a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews in gathering data to explore the roles of Islamic education teachers, the methods of teaching character building, and the experiences of the teachers in building their students’ distinctive character. Five Islamic education teachers were interviewed for this study. The teachers were purposively sampled based on their experiences in teaching and learning. Findings of the study revealed that the teachers are not only responsible to deliver knowledge or develop the pupils’ skills, but to also build the students’ characters through Islamic moral, behaviour, and manner. Moreover, the study found that being a role model as a teacher as well as teachers who inculcate good values and Islamic morals are the important roles for Islamic education teachers. In the teaching of character building, early preparation is a necessity prior to teaching the module in Islamic classes. The teachers must be knowledgeable in the Qur’an and Hadith and they have to apply current scenarios to better explain Islamic behaviours. In addition, as far as experience is concerned, the best method of teaching Islamic attitude and behaviour is for the teachers to be a role model for their students. Nevertheless, a common challenge for the teachers is students who come from different backgrounds. It was additionally found that the environment and people around the students like parental figures, friends and teachers are factors which influence their character building. Apart from that, compliments and appreciations from the teachers are motivations for the students to develop their Islamic-based character.