Perceptions of impact of Christian religious education on the moral development of teenage boys at Lubinu Boys Secondary School

Abstract

This study aimed at finding out the perceptions of teenagers on the impact of C.R.E. on their moral development. It specifically focused on teenagers at Lubinu Boys' Secondary School in Western Province in Kenya. The study was quantitative and data were gathered from the school. A questionnaire was designed to collect data from the teenagers. It was administered personally. Respondents included teenagers from thirteen years to twenty and from form two to form four. The researcher wanted to know the opinions of the teenagers on the impact of C.R.E. on their moral development, and whether these opinions were related to factors such as their attitude towards C.R.E., content taught, teacher's lifestyle, methodology used or peer influence. The findings reveal that most teenagers perceived C.R.E. to have had a big impact on their moral development even though this was not related to their attitude towards it, or the demographics. However the perceptions were found to be related to the teaching style. The responses showed that greater focus should be put on how to make the lessons interesting and well understood. Moreover the respondents overwhelmingly felt that their teachers do not make efforts to know them. Based on the data gathered, recommendations were made to teacher training institutes, policy makers, and C.R.E. teachers on seeking ways to personify the Christian moral values and norms and for better articulation of the same.