Fostering spiritual development through primary religious education : as a study of Year 4 students

Abstract

This dissertation consists of a research into how schools are helping children to develop spiritually. In chapter 1 we referred to relevant literature in an attempt to shed light on the meaning of spirituality, which defies verbal communication. In chapter 2, we made a series of observations and conversations with a purpose with the children and described the methodology of qualitative research that we carried out. In chapter 3, we analyzed our data in a critical way in the light of relevant literature, drew our own conclusions and made a number of suggestions. We found out that teachers are giving children a very wide religious knowledge but not treating enough the spiritual aspect. Thus, we suggested ways which can help teachers deepen children's spiritual development.