An evaluation of the teaching of religion in the Maltese Year IV primary classes

Abstract

This dissertation tackles the delivery of the Religion lesson in Year IV Primary classes in state schools. Its purpose is to investigate what we consider to be weaknesses in the delivery of the Religion lesson, expose the problems and suggest solutions. The general introduction, is followed by the Literature Review, composed of an analysis of the factors involved in the field of our study, followed by a compilation of theoretically recommendable methodology. In the light of the observed weaknesses in Year IV s and of the Literature Review, a questionnaire was designed in order to investigate further the local situation. From the results obtained, it became evident that the main cause of such an improper situation is that religious education is assessed by examinations that test academic standards. Fortunately, it also resulted that teachers do appreciate the value of religious education and know how to deliver lessons in a suitable way that fulfils the main goal of religious education - that of developing a good way of life. Teachers need only to be given the opportunity to do so and the situation would significantly improve.