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The Content and Techniques of Teaching Ethics to Elementary School Children in Saudi Arabia and Iraq and Its Implications for the Ethical Content of Elementary School Textbooks in the Islamic Republic of Iran
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Hassan Najafi *1    , Mohammad Hossein Pejmanfar2 |
1- Farhangian University & Farhangian University , hnajafih@yahoo.com
2- Institute of Higher Education, Ethics and Training & Institute of Higher Education, Ethics and Training |
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Abstract: (59 Views) |
Objective: Teaching ethics at the elementary school, as a fundamental pillar of Islamic education, plays a significant role in shaping students’ character and behavior. Examining the content of religious textbooks in Islamic countries can provide effective models for improving Iran’s education system. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the content of teaching ethics in the elementary curricula of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Method: This study was conducted using qualitative content analysis on the religious textbooks of the elementary schools in Saudi Arabia (Al-Dirasat Al-Islamiyyah, 2023 edition) and Iraq (Al-Qur’an Al-Karim wa Al-Tarbiyah Al-Islamiyyah, 2024 edition). Sampling was done purposefully, with textbooks from grades one to six in both countries selected due to their cultural and religious significance. Data were collected through a detailed analysis of the texts, images, and activities in the textbooks and were coded independently by researchers and two experts to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the study.
Findings: in Saudi Arabia, teaching ethics focuses on social etiquette such as greeting, cleanliness, and respect for others, as well as ritual practices like remembrances and Prophet Mohammad’s way of the life. It employs content techniques such as text coloring, two-person dialogues, storytelling, real images, QR codes, and the part "We Learn to Act.". However, attention to inner virtues such as martyrdom and self-sacrifice is limited, and techniques like poetry and storytelling are less frequently used. In Iraq, ethical content encompasses Islamic etiquette (e.g., table manners and greetings), ethical concepts (e.g., honesty, self-sacrifice, chastity, and avoidance of backbiting), and the way of life of the Prophet and other Islamic figures, presented through techniques such as storytelling, preaching, memorization, drawing, poetry, examples, and fill-in-the-blank exercises.
Conclusion: The findings of this study can contribute to improving the ethical content of Iranian textbooks by emphasizing the Holy Prophet’s way of life, developing social skills, and utilizing diverse content techniques. |
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| Keywords: Ethics, Teaching Ethics, Approach based on the Prophet’s way of life, Content Techniques, Elementary School, Saudi Arabia, Iraq. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1860 kb]
(50 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special-Qualitative
Received: 2025/10/7 | Revised: 2026/05/16 | Accepted: 2025/12/1 | Published: 2025/12/29 | ePublished: 2025/12/29
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