Thesis
Primary Author
Mary Adhiambo
Subject Category
The role of Christian Religious Education in shaping students behaviour
Institutional ID
MIUC-REP-501

The role of Christian Religious Education in shaping students behaviour in public secondary schoolsin Kasarani subcounty Nairobi county

College Institutional Repository Academic Archive

Abstract

Christian Religious Education (CRE) plays a crucial role in shaping students' moral values,
ethical principles, and general behavior in public secondary schools. This study examines the
impact of CRE on student behavior in Kasarani Sub-County, Nairobi County. It explores how the
subject contributes to character formation, discipline, and social interactions among learners. The
research was guided by the moral development theory and social learning theory, which
emphasize the influence of religious teachings and role modeling in shaping individuals'
conduct.The study employed a descriptive research design, incorporating both qualitative and
quantitative approaches. Data were collected from students, teachers, and school administrators
through structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. A sample of 92
students and 8 teachers from various public secondary schools in Kasarani was selected using
stratified and purposive sampling techniques. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics
and thematic analysis to identify key patterns and relationships between CRE and student
behavior.Findings indicate that CRE significantly influences students' moral and ethical decision-
making. It instills values such as honesty, respect, responsibility, and empathy, which are
essential for positive behavior in and outside the school environment. Teachers reported that
students who actively engage with CRE lessons demonstrate better conflict resolution skills,
improved discipline, and greater respect for authority figures. Additionally, students
acknowledged that CRE helps them develop self-control and a sense of social responsibility,
reducing tendencies toward delinquent behaviors such as bullying, drug abuse, and
absenteeism.The study also found that CRE fosters religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence
among students from diverse backgrounds. By promoting discussions on Christian teachings,
students gain a broader perspective on moral reasoning, which helps them understand and
appreciate different viewpoints. However, despite its positive influence, some challenges hinder
the effective implementation of CRE. These include limited teaching resources, insufficient
instructional time, and the perception that CRE is a secondary subject compared to sciences and
other core subjects. Additionally, some students view it as irrelevant to their career aspirations,
leading to reduced enthusiasm for the subject.To enhance the role of CRE in shaping student
behavior, the study recommends that educational stakeholders, including policymakers, school
administrators, and teachers, prioritize CRE by allocating more instructional time and resources.
Schools should integrate CRE teachings into co-curricular activities, such as mentorship
programs and peer counseling, to reinforce moral values beyond the classroom. Teachers should
also adopt interactive and practical teaching methods, such as case studies and real-life
applications, to make CRE lessons more engaging and relatable. Furthermore, collaboration
between schools, parents, and religious institutions should be strengthened to ensure consistent
moral guidance for student

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