Prayer spaces in schools : a case study of secondary and post-secondary schools in Gozo

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to analyse the implications that prayer spaces in schools have on today’s pedagogy. This study seeks to explore the relevance and effectiveness of the said spaces in schools. Taking into consideration the different needs that children experience in their (educational) development, this research investigates what characterises these spaces and whether children are truly benefitting from them. In order to fulfil the objectives of this research, a number of questionnaires to students and teachers were distributed. Observations were also conducted to understand the reality within Prayer Spaces in Schools. The findings of this study show that both students and teachers adhere to the modus operandi of Prayer Spaces in Schools. The results show that adolescents who participated in this study feel the need for Prayer Spaces. Teachers also affirm which elements of these spaces contribute to an all-embracing education. The study concludes by highlighting the welfare and the opportunities of growth that adolescents come aware of and benefit from the use of Prayer Spaces in Schools.