Inculcating Islamic values in teaching mathematics from teachers and pupils` perspectives : a case study

Abstract

This study explored Islamic values inculcation in the context of school Mathematics teaching and learning process from the perspective of two teachers and four students of the International Islamic Primary School Malaysia. The study employed a Qualitative case study research methodology. Data was elicited by oral interviews and data analysis was performed by breaking the interview data into significant statements and themes. This was achieved by comparing and determining the commonalities that are prevalent in both teachers and students views regarding the role Islamic values can play in students’ lives when it is infused into Mathematics teaching and learning process. Findings unveiled that the teachers and students of International Islamic Primary School Malaysia unanimously agreed that inculcation of values while teaching Mathematics can help nurture students behaviour and make it congruent with Quranic injunctions thereby helping in developing the students faith. In this respect, the teachers and students particularly opined that teachers can also act as role models for the students to emulate their actions. They all concurred that the school’s Mathematics curriculum should be tailored towards instilling Islamic values such as trustworthiness, honesty and respect for elders. Finally, the teachers and students of International Islamic Primary School Malaysia share the opinion that to make Mathematics class more interesting to students via values inculcation, it is imperative for the teachers to always link all topics being taught to real life situations by associating them with Quran and Hadith stories.